HYDROTHERAPY 


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COLLEGE  OF 

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LIBRARY 


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HYDROTHERAPY  AT  SARATOGA 


Sacred  Fonts  !  flow  on  forever, 
Health  on  mankind  still  bestow  ; 
If  a  virgin  woo  thee,  give  her 
Rosy  cheeks  and  beauty's  glow  ; 
If  an  old  man — make  him  stronger, 
Suffering  mortals  soothe  and  save, 
Happier  send  them  home,  and  younger. 
All  who  quaff  thy  fervid  wave. 

— LoBKowiTZ  :  trans.  Johnston. 


HYDROTHERAPY 


AT 


SARATOGA 


A  TREA  TISE  ON  NA  TURAL  MINERAL 
WA  TERS 


BY 


J.    A.    IRWIN 


M.A.,  Catnbridge,  Eng.;  M.  A  .,  M.  D.,  Dublin  University; 

L.  M.,  Coll.  of  Physicians,  Ire.;  Member  of  Royal  Coll.  of  Surgeons, 

Eng.;    Member  of  the  British  Medical  Association; 

Fellow  of  the  London  Obstetrical  Society., 

and  the  New   York  Academy 

of  Medicine.,  etc. 

FORMERLY 

House-Surgeon  Royal  Free  Hospital,  London;  Medical  Officer  Shrop. 
shire  and  Montgomeryshire    Counties    Lunatic    Asylum: 
and  Physician  to  the  Manchester  Southern  Hos- 
pital for    Women  and  Children 


CASSELL   PUBLISHING   COMPANY 
NEW  YORK 


^1 


Copyright,  1892,  by 
J.  A.   IRWIN. 


Aii  rights  reserved. 


THE  MERSHOar  COMPAKY  PSBSS, 

BAHWAY,  N.  J.  ^- 


PREFACE. 

The  United  States,  in  so  many  re- 
spects exceptionally  gifted,  possesses 
already  more  than  8000  known  mineral 
springs,  of  which  about  800  have  been 
analyzed,  and  not  a  few  found  equal,  if 
not  superior,  to  those  of  highest  repute 
in  the  Old  World. 

Nevertheless,  the  scientific  use  of 
mineral  waters  is  strangely  ill-defined, 
and,  since  the  days  of  Priessnitz — the 
father  of  the  so-called  hydropaths,  who 
accepted  water  as  the  only  remedy  for 
all  diseases — a  certain  atmosphere  of 
quackery  has  permeated  the  subject, 
resulting  in  its  neglect  by  reputable 
physicians. 


VI  PREFACE. 

Visitors  at  the  watering  places  are 
glutted  with  circulars  and  pamphlets  is- 
sued for  purposes  of  advertisement,  by 
persons  fiancially  interested,  and  each 
putting  forward  in  almost  identical 
clap-trap  the  same  absurdly  pretentious 
claims. 

Saratoga  is  especially  so  plagued ; 
owing,  in  a  measure,  to  the  large  and  in- 
creasing number  of  the  springs,  and  the 
occasionally  hostile  rivalry  of  the  pro- 
prietors. As  a  consequence,  the  waters 
are  used  without  proper  guidance  or 
discrimination,  and  often  improperly, 
with  disastrous  result ;  and  in  the 
public  estimation  there  remains  scarce 
any  middle  ground  between  an  unques- 
tioning cure-all  faith  and  an  equally  un- 
reasonable condemnation. 

The    purport    of     this    work    is    to 


PREFACE.  Vll 

establish  among  educated  readers  a 
correct  and  unprejudiced  valuation  of 
mineral  waters  generally,  and  those  of 
Saratoga  in  particular. 

Mineral  springs  have  been  known 
and  appreciated  from  the  earliest  times, 
both  for  drinking  and  bathing  purposes. 
They  have  been  written  upon  by  Hip- 
pocrates himself,  and  since  the  days  of 
Herodotus  and  Pliny.  It  is  easily  con- 
ceded, then,  that  a  treatise  upon  this 
subject  can  in  few  respects  lay  claim  to 
originality  ;  and,  as  will  be  noticed  in 
the  text,  the  author  acknowledges  a 
wide  obligation  to  others,  and  in  some 
instances  holds  them  duly  responsible 
for  opinions  not  coincident  with  his 
own,  or  confirmed  by  direct  experience. 

It  has,  at  least,  the  merit  of  being 
absolutely  non-partisan — from  the  pen 


Vlll  PREFACE. 

of  one  who,  while  highly  esteeming 
mineral  hydrotherapy  in  its  by  no 
means  unlimited  sphere,  regards  it  as 
nothing  more  than  an  important,  al- 
though much  neglected  branch  of  gen- 
eral medicine.  In  teaching  its  uses  it 
is  impossible  at  times  to  avoid  entering 
somewhat  fully  into  the  clinical  aspects 
of  disease,  and  the  associated  applic- 
ability of  other  methods  of  practice. 
It  should  not  be  understood,  however, 
that  this  work  is  intended  as  a  guide  to 
self-treatment,  even  within  the  confines 
of  hydro-therapeutics ;  nor  can  it  super- 
sede for  sick  persons  the  necessity  of 
professional  advice,  which  must  always 
vary  in  accordance  with  the  circum- 
stances of  each  individual  case.  But, 
as  an  intelligent  patient,  capable  of  un- 
derstanding  and  co-operating  with  the 


PREFACE.  IX 

aims  of  his  physician,  is  more  likely  to 
derive  benefit  from  treatment,  so  it  is 
desirable  that  persons  visiting  Saratoga, 
and  making  use  of  its  waters,  should 
have  some  general  knowledge  of  their 
characteristics  and  mode  of  action. 

It  is  also  hoped  that  in  the  following 
pages  the  professional  reader  may  find 
information,  not  without  interest  and 
practical  value ;  and,  although  some 
points  are  left  untouched,  or  still  in 
doubt,  which  may  be  more  fully  dis- 
cussed in  the  future,  it  should  be  re- 
membered that,  as  in  all  other  branches 
of  knowledge,  **  not  directly,  but  by 
successive  approximations  do  mankind 
reach  correct  conclusions."^ 

Grand  Union  Hotels  No.  14  West  iqth  St., 

Saratoga.  New  York. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I.. 

SARATOGA. 


PAGE 

Necessity  of  periodic  change — Saratoga — Advantages  as  a 
health  resort  —  Accessibility  —  Discovery  of  springs — 
Early  history  .  .  .  .  .  .       i 

CHAPTER  n. 

THE  ORIGIN  OF  MINERAL   WATERS. 

Mineral  waters — Source  of  water — Method  of  mineraliza- 
tion— Acquisition  of  gases — Peculiarities  determining 
emergence     .  .  .  .  .  .  -9 

CHAPTER  HI. 

GEOLOGICAL  CONDITIONS  AT  SARATOGA, 

Geological  conditions  at  Saratoga — Water-shed — Local 
characteristics  .  .  .  .  .  •     ^9 

CHAPTER  IV. 

CLASSIFICATION  AND  ANALYSIS. 

General  classifications  of  mineral  waters — Chemical — 
Therapeutical  analyses  of  Saratoga  waters — Difficalties 
concerning — Tables  of  analyses — Skeleton  analysis         .     29 


XIV  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  V. 

COMPONENT   PARTS   OF   THE   SARATOGA    WATERS. 

PAGE 

Component  parts  of  the  Saratoga  waters,  considered  sepa- 
rately— Carbonic  acid  gas — Salines — Alkaline  bicarbon- 
ates — Iron — Water  .  .  .  .  '39 

CHAPTER  VI, 

METABOLISM,   AND  ALTERATIVE   EFFECTS. 

Definition  —  Excuse  for  physiological  details  —  General 
effects  of  waters — Special  sphere  of  usefulness      ,  .     73 

CHAPTER  VII. 

BALNEOLOGY,  OR   THE  SCIENCE  OF   BATHING. 

Balneology  —  General  division  —  Physiology  —  Hygienic 
cold  bath — Use  not  confined  to  robust  persons — Hot  and 
warm  baths — Thermal  mineral  baths — Bath  fever — The 
douche — The  wet  pack — Mud  and  sand  baths — Turkish 
and  Russian  baths    .  .  .  .  .  .85 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

THERAPEUTIC   APPLICABILITY  AND   DIETETICS. 

General  applicability  of  hydro-mineral  treatment — Dietary 
— No  special  prohibitions — Life  at  Saratoga  facilitates 
temperance       .......  135 

CHAPTER  IX. 

A  PRACTICAL   DIVISION  OF  SARATOGA  WATERS. 

Practical  division  of  Saratoga  springs         .  .  .  153 


CONTENTS.  XV 


CHAPTER  X. 

GENERAL  PRECEPTS. 

PAGE 

General  precepts  governing  their  use — Best  time  to  drink — 
Quantity — Question  of  suspending  ordinary  treatment    .  159 

CHAPTER  XI. 

NOSOLOGY. 

Nosology — Scrofula — Characteristics  of  the  diathesis — 
Manifestations— Hydro-mineral  treatment  in.  Phthisis — 
Method  of  attack — Applicability  of  mineral  waters — Bal- 
neological treatment — Saratoga  as  residence.  Gout — Eti- 
ology— Acute,  and  vicarious  attacks — Chemical  action  of 
waters — Disposal  of  urates.  Rheumatism — En*atic  char- 
acteristics— Alkaline  remedies — Atony  of  the  skin — Stim- 
ulant bathing — Lumbago,  sciatica  and  torticollis.  Di- 
gestive Diseases — Various  types — Gastric  ulcer — Use  of 
waters  by  syphon.  Liver — Cirrhosis — Tumors — Jaun- 
dice— Ascites — Metallic  poisoning.  Pancreas.  Constipa- 
tion. Abdominal  stasis.  Obesity — baths  in.  Catarrh — 
general  and  local  use  of  waters.  Renal  and  Bladder 
Diseases — Diabetes.  Diseases  of  the  Heart  and  Blood 
vessels.  Diseases  of  Bone.  Skin  Diseases.  Diseases  of 
Women.     Nervous  Diseases.     Retarded  Convalescence  .  173 

CHAPTER  Xn. 

Bottled,  recharged,  and  artificial  mineral  waters         .        .  255 


Hydrotherapy  at  Saratoga 


CHAPTER  I. 

SARATOGA. 

A  FEW  weeks'  sojourn  at  the  sea- 
side, or  some  inland  health  resort,  has 
become  to  Americans  a  national  neces- 
sity. The  average  city  man  of  to-day 
can  scarcely  be  considered  entirely 
healthy.  If  seldom  absolutely  sick, 
he  is  quite  often  "a  little  under  the 
weather."  He  will  tell  you  that  noth- 
ing ails  him ;  but  follow  closely  his 
daily  life  and  you  will  find  that  he  is 
constantly  taking  medicines — as  his 
forefathers    never   did.      Now   it    is   a 


2  H YDRO THERA PY  AT  SARATOGA. 

quinine  pill  to  brace  up  on,  or  combat 
a  latent  malaria  ;  now  some  antipyrine 
or  phfenacetine  for  a  cold  or  head- 
ache ;  now  some  pepsine  or  a  cathartic 
for  his  stomach  or  bowels,  and  so  on. 
Why  is  this  so  ?  Because  of  his 
own  imprudences  :  his  hurrying,  rest- 
less, nerve-straining  life,  constant  high 
pressure,  too  many  bracers,  irregular 
meals,  eating  too  much  and  chewing 
too  little ;  but  always  ready  to  sacri^fice 
the  requirements  of  nature  on  the 
insatiable  altars  of  business  or  pleas- 
ure. Such  a  one  walks  upon  the  edge 
of  a  precipice  from  which  he  cannot  be 
induced  to  tear  himself  away  ;  but  he 
is  often  willing  to  postpone  the  inevit- 
able crash,  which,  even  he  knows,  is 
bound  to  come  sooner  or  later,  in  the 
form  of  cirrhosis,   Bright's   disease,  or 


SARATOGA. 


some  miserable  neurosis,  by  giving  his 
system  a  complete  renovation  at  least 
once  a  year. 

For  this  purpose  a  visit  to  some 
bright  summer  resort  is  just  what  he 
needs  ;  and  none  on  this  hemisphere 
offers  as  wide  advantages  as  Saratoga. 
Not  only  are  the  waters  pleasant  to 
drink,  and  available  in  some  form  to 
the  majority  of  visitors — the  pleasure 
seeker  following  in  the  route  of 
fashion,  as  well  as  the  invalid,  the  ex-- 
hausted  brain-worker,  and  the  fagged- 
out  beauty  striving  to  regain  her  lost 
complexion — but  all  the  attendant  cir- 
cumstances are  usually  conducive  to 
the  restoration  of  perfect  health.  The 
rapid  succession  of  new  events  enlivens 
the  mind  and  leads  away  from  worri- 
ment.     The  pure  country  air,  the  mod- 


4  HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

erate  altitude,  the  usually  pleasant 
temperature  and  cool  nights,  the 
^altered  diet,  the  increased  bodily  exer- 
cise, the  easy  relinquishment  of  injur- 
ious habits,  the  facilities  for  active 
recreation  of  all  kinds  and  luxurious 
bathing,  combined  with  a  delicious 
rest,  which  is  not  idleness  but  merely 
change  of  thought — each  plays  its 
part  in  accomplishing  a  physical  and 
psychical  recuperation.  ^ 

To  one  who,  during  ten  months  out 
of  the  twelve,  is  obliged  to  live  in, 
and  breathe,  the  dirt-carrying,  moisture- 
laden  atmosphere  of  the  sea-board 
cities,  the  air  itself  has  a  conspicuous 
cleanliness  brimming  with  health.  He 
notices  that  stray  articles  he  happens 
to  touch  no  longer  soil  his  hands,  even 
that  his  linen  takes  many  hours  longer 


SARATOGA. 


to  show  the  accustomed  evidence  of 
wear. 

In  fact,  Saratoga  offers  all  that  the 
country  can  give,  without  the  intoler- 
able dullness,  which  at  some  health 
resorts  renders  life  a  perfect  blank. 

A  good  general  description  of  Sara- 
toga— its  pleasant  location,  delightfully 
shaded  streets,  natural  beauties,  and 
interesting  history ;  its  parks,  lakes, 
magnificent  hotels,  and  never-ending 
attractions — is  to  be  found  in  the 
guide  books,  and  needs  but  the  briefest 
outline  here.  The  village  is  situated 
toward  the  eastern  border  of  the  State 
of  New  York,  at  the  termination  of 
the  Adirondack  range,  and  about  the 
center  of  the  valley  extending  from 
Balston  to  Quaker  Springs.  It  is 
distant  from  New  York  City  183  miles. 


6  HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

from  Philadelphia  274  miles,  from  Bos- 
ton 205  miles,  from  Washington  412 
miles,  and  from  Chicago  841  miles, 
and  is  readily  accessible  from  all  these 
places.  The  altitude  is  about  300  feet. 
The  population  varies  from  about 
11,000  in  the  winter  to  35,000  during 
the  season,  which  lasts  from  the  mid- 
dle of  June  to  the  middle  of  Septem- 
ber. The  accommodation  for  visitors 
of  all  classes  is  ample  and  excellent, 
and  the  general  sanitary  arrangements 
are  good.  The  name,  like  most  others 
in  this  vicinity,  is  derived  from  the 
Iroquois   Indian. 

The  discovery  of  the  springs  is  rela- 
tively modern,  with  the  exception  of 
the  High  Rock,  which,  according  to 
tradition,   not    long    since*   confirmed 

*i865— Walton. 


SARATOGA. 


by  interesting  remains  found  at  the 
base  of  the  rock,  was  known  to,  and 
utiHzed  by,  the  Indians  back  in  the 
fourteenth  century.  The  earliest 
knowledge  by  white  men  of  the  valua- 
ble qualities  of  the  waters  seems  to 
date  from  the  advent  of  Sir  William 
Johnson  in  1767.  That  illustrious 
Scotch-Irishman,  who  in  colonial  days 
served  this  country  scarce  less  than  did 
subsequently  George  Washington,  is 
mainly  known  to  the  popular  history  of 
to-day  by  the  incident  that,  when  he 
ailed  unto  death,  the  Indians,  whom  he 
had  befriended  and  controlled  by  kind- 
ness and  integrity,  carried  him  for  re- 
lief to  the  "  Medicine  spring  of  the 
Great  Spirit,"  at  Saratoga.  The  first 
white  man's  habitation  was  erected  in 


8"  H YDRO THERA PY  AT  SARATOGA, 

During  the  subsequent  thirty  years 
various  sturdy  pioneers  kept  simple 
taverns  for  the  entertainment  of  such 
visitors  as  were,  even  then,  attracted 
by  the  growing  reputation  of  the 
springs  ;  but  the  starting  point  of  the 
Saratoga  of  to-day  may  be  reckoned 
from  the  building,  by  Gideon  Putnam, 
in  1802,  of  Union  Hall;  upon  the  site 
of  which  now  stands  the  magnificent 
Grand  Union  Hotel. 

Since  then  over  forty  new  springs 
have  been  discovered,  any  one  of  which 
might  make  the  reputation  of  a  health 
resort ;  superb  hotels  have  been  erected 
on  all  sides ;  and  America  has  become 
possessed  of  a  vSpa  which,  in  every  re- 
spect, rivals  the  oldest  and  most  es- 
teemed in  Europe. 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE    ORIGIN    OF    MINERAL    WATERS. 

« 

Much  interest  still  attaches  to  the 
origin  of  mineral  springs,  but  belongs 
rather  to  the  fascinating  science  of 
geology  than  to  the  mainly  therapeutic 
scope  of  this  treatise. 

From  remote  antiquity,  through  the 
superstitious  ages,  when  good  spirits 
were  believed  to  guard  medicinal 
springs,  all  manner  of  fantastic  the- 
ories hav^e  had  ardent  advocates  ;  and 
the  subject  has  been  abundantly  dis- 
cussed by  wise  men  and  by  fools. 

The  rational  points  of  inquiry  are  : 
(i)  Whence  comes  the  endless  supply 
of  water  ?     (2)   How  does  it  obtain  its 


lo         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

mineralization  and  gaseous  saturation  ? 
(3)  What  local  peculiarities  determine 
its  emergence  ? 

The  answers  are  fairly  within  our 
knowledge  :  (i)  The  water  itself  is 
neither  newly  created  beneath  the 
earth,  nor  is  it  the  out-pouring  of  a 
subterranean  sea,  but  is  merely  a  part 
of  the  great  aqueous  circulation  of 
nature  ;  and  hence  does  not  end.  If 
we  trace  this  circulation  through^  its 
course,  taking  rain  as  a  starting  point, 
we  find  that  as  water  descends  from  the 
clouds  a  portion  goes  directly  into  the 
lakes  and  rivers,  or  to  renew  thei  great 
salty  reservoirs  ;  while  the  remainder, 
falling  upon  the  land,  is  collected  on 
the  surface  to  form  mighty  rivers,  or 
else  sinks  deep  into  the  ground  ;  but 
not  to   remain  there  permanently.      It 


ORIGIN  OF  MINERAL  WA  TERS.  1 1 

finds  its  way  through  soil  and  rock, 
through  fissures  and  joints,  until 
finally,  by  continuous  descent,  it  reaches 
an  outlet  at  some  lower  level  ;  or  else 
by  hydrostatic  pressure  is  forced  back 
to  the  surface  in  the  form  of  springs. 
Then,  having  fulfilled  its  assigned  pur- 
pose, whatever  that  may  have  been  on 
earth,  all  which  came  from  the  skies 
passes  away  again  by  evaporation,  to 
be  recondensed  in  the  atmosphere 
above,  and  fall  once  more  as  rain. 

Thus  is  completed  a  single  round  of 
one  of  the  stupendous  revolutionary 
systems  which  govern  the  entire  course 
of  nature,  and  know  no  pause  or  stay. 
How  long  this  circuit  may  occupy  for 
any  particular  water,  such  as  that  which 
issues  from  the  springs,  it  would  be 
idle  to  speculate;  but  ultimately,  **that 


12         H  YDRO  THERA  PY  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

which  the  fountain  sends  forth  returns 
again  to  the  fountain."  It  has  been 
proven  by  experiment*  that  the  quan- 
tity of  celestial  water  which  falls  as 
rain,  snow,  and  dew  is  more  than  suffi- 
cient to  supply  that  which  flows  from 
the  rivers  and  springs  all  over  the 
world. 

(2)  Now  as  to  its  mineralization  and 
acquisition  of  gases :  Water  is  unequaled 
as  a  solvent.  No  known  substance  can 
entirely  resist  solution  by  water  ;  f  and 
as  a  consequence  absolutely  pure  water 
scarcely  exists  in  nature.  As  the 
rain  descends  from  the  skies,  even 
before  it  reaches  the  earth's  surface, 
it  has  already  absorbed  impurities 
from  the  atmosphere  ;  and  from  then 

*  Mariotte  and  Halley. —  Walton. 

t  A.  Getkie,  "  Text  Book  of  Geology." 


ORIGIN  OF  MINERAL  WATERS.  13 

until  it  again  passes  off  by  evapo- 
ration, when — like  man  at  his  exit — it 
must  leave  all  behind,  it  is — like  man 
during  his  stay — constantly  picking  up 
something  from  each  media  with  which 
it  comes  in  contact. 

Already  armed  with  minute  quanti- 
ties of  carbonic  acid  and  other  ingre- 
dients from  the  air,  it  proceeds  to  take 
up  the  organic  acids  which  are  plentiful 
in  the  surface  soil,  and,  thus  early 
equipped  with  considerable  chemical 
activity,  sets  out  upon  its  geological 
career.  It  permeates,  to  unknown 
depths,  the  rocks  and  minerals  which 
form  the  crust  of  the  earth,  and  all  of 
which  are  more  or  less  porous  to  water, 
and,  as  it  percolates  through  them, 
dissolves  and  carries  with  it  certain 
of  their  constituents.     These  meeting 


14         HYDRO  THERA  PY  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

Others  of  possibly  chemical  antithesis, 
countless  compounds  are  formed  ;  new 
gases  are  generated,  which  are  also  ab- 
sorbed by  the  water,  and  utilized  to 
augment  its  further  solvency,  until 
ultimately,  after  an  eventful  history, 
there  is  forced  to  the  surface  the  extra- 
ordinary, indefinitely  varied  compound 
known  as  mineral  water. 

This  the  analysts  handle  with  skill. 
Th'Cy  separate  and  weigh  accurately, 
up  to  a  five-thousandth  part  of  a  grain,* 
the  basic  ingredients,  which  are  found,  in 
almost  every  instance,  to  correspond 
with  the  composition  of  the  rocks  from 
whence  they  came  ;  but  the  science  of 
man  has  not  yet  ascertained  the  exact 
character  of  the  chemical  compounds 
resulting   from    this    intricate    tour    of 

*  Breneman,  Nat.  Bot,  Gaz, 


ORIGIN  OF  MINERAL  IVA  TERS.  15 

Nature's  laboratory  ;  any  more  than  it 
can  invariably  explain  the  physiological 
chemistry  following  their  ingestion. 

(3)  The  emergence  of  mineral  springs 
at  certain  localities  is  dependent  upon 
the  nature  and  integrity  of  the  geo- 
logical strata  beneath. 

However  may  be  solved  the  great 
cosmical  problem  of  the  manner  in 
which  the  earth,  from  being  a  semi- 
liquid,  nebulous  mass,  whirling  through 
space,  became  the  beautiful  world  we 
now  inhabit,  it  is  certain  that  the  for- 
mation of  its  crust,  whether  by  the 
hardening  of  fluid,  or  the  deposit  of 
sedimentary  substances,  took  place  at 
different  periods,  and  in  layers  of  vari- 
ous thickness  and  composition,  super- 
imposed one  upon  another.  It  is  also 
certain    that,  while  this  heterogeneous 


l6         HYDROTHERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

crust  was  in  course  of  formation  and 
still  malleable  to  internal  force,  seis- 
mitic  disturbances  shaped  hills  and  val- 
leys ;  but  long  afterwards — perhaps 
many  centuries — when  the  surface  crust 
had  become  too  hard  to  bend,  similar 
volcanic  outbursts  resulted  in  huge 
cracks  or  fissures,  penetrating  to  the 
very  bowels  of  the  earth,  and  often 
attended  by  dislocations  of  strata,  which 
deranged  the  original  levels,  so  ^that 
when  the  broken  surfaces  came  to- 
gether again,  rocks  of  different  quality 
were  in  apposition  to  each  other. 

In  some  instances,  however,  the  part- 
ings thus  made  were  permanent ;  and 
when  fierce  earthquakes  had  quelled, 
mighty  chasms,  even  miles  in  width, 
remained  forever. 

As    ages    rolled   on,   the    relatively 


ORIGIN  OF  MINERAL  WATERS.  1 7 

smaller  interspaces  became  filled  with 
deposits  of  various  character,  usually 
more  permeable  than  the  original  rocks, 
while  many  of  the  larger  breaks  still 
endure,  and  may  be  seen  interspersed 
among  the  loveliest  scenery  of  the 
world — as  straits,  like  that  of  Magel- 
lan, or  Smythe's  Sound,  or  as  narrow 
valleys  and  mountain  gorges,  bounded 
in  between  corresponding  surfaces  of 
perpendicular  cliff. 

In  comparison  with  these  stupendous 
natural  convulsions  of  the  past,  how 
small  appear  the  volcanic  activities  of 
to-day  :  the  phenomena  of  our  Yellow 
Stone  Park  ;  or  even  the  wonders  of 
Ojigoku,  the  Great  Hell  of  Japan, 
where  one  day  the  ground  is  solid  and 
the  next  a  bubbling,  boiling  spring. 


CHAPTER    III. 

GEOLOGICAL    CONDITIONS     AT     SARATOGA. 

Cracks  and  disturbance  of  strata  are 
termed  by  geologists  "faults."  They 
vary  from  immense  rents  and  spacious 
caverns  to  tiny  crevices,  running  in  all 
directions  through  colossal  layers  of 
rock.  It  is  easily  understood  how 
water  imprisoned — often  under  high 
pressure,  between  the  less  pervious 
strata — should  find  at  these  points  a 
means  of  escape,  and  thus  make  its 
way  upward.  As  a  matter  of  fact  it  is 
the  presence  of  geological  faults  of  some 
degree  which  determine,  in  most  parts 
of  the  world,  the  emergence  of  mineral 
springs. 

«9 


20         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

At  Saratoga  there  is  a  geological 
*'  fault  "  of  extensive  proportions — the 
result  of  some  terrific  upheaval  long 
ago.  Originally  a  huge  irregular  fissure 
of  incalculable  depth,  and  extending 
through  the  valley  many  miles  to  the 
northeast  and  southwest  of  where  the 
village  of  Saratoga  now  stands,  it  is 
probable  that  both  sides  of  the  chasm 
were  depressed  many  thousand  feet 
below  their  pristine  horizontal ;  but^the 
eastern  edge  sunk  considerably  lower 
than  the  western,  so  that  when,  during 
subsequent  centuries,  the  interspace 
became  filled  with  calcareous  deposits, 
the  long-parted  strata  no  longer  occu- 
pied corresponding  levels  ;  but  those 
to  the  eastward  lay  not  less  than  fifty 
feet  below  their  counterparts  upon  the 
other  side. 


GEOLOGICAL  CONDITIONS. 


21 


The  accompanying  cut,  modified  from 
one  by  Professor  Chandler,  fairly  illus- 
trates the  situation. 


t(r 


^vlg-U^oJ^      (ctArxC 


Captain  Butler,  in  his  essay  on  this 
subject,*  notes  two  particularly  inter- 
esting local  circumstances  :  (i)  That  all 
the  springs  which  have  appeared  or 
been  discovered,  at  or  near  Saratoga, 
are  to  the  eastward  of  the  fault ;  while 

*  Saratoga,  i« 


2  2         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

Upon  the  western  side,  although  every 
effort  has  been  made  and  the  drill  sunk 
through  the  rock  at  various  points  to  a 
depth  of  one  thousand  feet,  no  mineral 
water  has  been  found.  (2)  Also,  that 
although  the  same  water  may  frequently 
be  reached,  but  at  a  depth  increasing 
proportionally  to  the  distance,  by  boring 
in  a  direct  line  to  the  eastward ;  if  the 
opening  be  made  to  the  north  or  south 
of  this  line,  a  spring  may  be  reached, 
but  it  will  usually  be  of  different  char- 
acter, and  unconnected  with  the  first. 

According  to  the  same  authority,  the 
drill,  in  passing  downward  through  five 
or  six  hundred  feet  of  rock,  is  liable  to 
tap,  at  different  depths,  several  inde- 
pendent streams  of  mineral  water  of 
diverse  quality,  of  which  the  owner  may 
select  and  utilize  that  which   he   pre- 


GEOLOGICAL    CONDITIONS.  23 

fers.     This  occurred  in  the  boring  of 
the  Royal  Spring  in   1887. 

From  these  data,  supported  by  the 
ascertained  dip  of  geological  strata 
toward  the  fault,  he  deduces  the  theory 
that  the  watershed  which  feeds  the 
Saratoga  springs  extends  from  the 
mountain  ranges  thirty  odd  miles  to 
the  eastward  ;  from  whence  the  water 
percolates  downward  toward  the  west, 
dividing  itself,  by  the  way,  into  dis- 
tinct streams  at  various  depths,  until 
ultimately — unless  tapped  by  artificial 
boring — it  reaches  the  almost  perpen- 
dicular wall  of  later  deposit,  which  fills 
the  fault,  and  there  finds  more  pervious 
material,  or  else  convenient  crevices, 
favoring  its  ascent  toward  the  surface. 
As,  however,  there  are  also  mountains 
upon  the  western  side,  and  as  the  strata, 


24         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

on  that  side  also,  incline  toward  the 
fault,  and  slightly  toward  the  south,  and 
there  is  no  positive  proof  of  the  non- 
existence of  mineral  water,  while  ordi- 
nary water  has  been  reached  at  consider- 
able depth,  it  seems  probable  that  the 
western  rainfall  may  also  contribute  to 
supply  the  springs. 

There  is  no  subterranean  connection 
between  the  Saratoga  springs  and  the 
ocean  ;  nor,  as  a  rule,  is  there  evidence 
of  inter-communication  between  neigh- 
boring springs  ;  which,  although  some- 
times rising  but  a  few  feet  apart,  main- 
tain their  special  characteristics.  Un- 
questionably, however,  some  collateral 
intercourse  through  the  ramifying  crev- 
ices in  the  rocks  is  possible  between 
the  Congress,  Hathorn,  Favorite,  Pat- 
terson, Putnam,  and  Imperial  Springs; 
for  although,  in  their  normal  condition. 


GEOLOGICAL    CONDITIONS.  25 

each  has  very  distinct  individuaHty,  on 
each  occasion  when  one  has  been  de- 
pressed, by  excavation  or  pumping,  it 
has  unfavorably  influenced,  some  or  all, 
of  the  others.* 

The  flow  from  the  springs  is  con- 
stant from  year  to  year,  and  at  all  sea- 
sons, and  seems  scarcely  to  suffer  by  the 
repeated  borings  in  search  of  new 
water,  which  here,  unfortunately,  there 
is  no  law  to  control. 

Intermission  or  spouting  occurs  in 
fountains  such  as  the  Champion  and 
Geyser,  obtained  by  deep  artesian 
boring  ;  and  is  explained  on  the  sup- 
position that  the  drill  opens  the  water 
cavity  at  a  point  below  its  highest 
part ;  thus  leaving  a  kind  of  pocket 
above    the    level    of    the    aperture,    in 

*  A  similar  circumstance  has  been  observed  at  Aix- 
la-Chapelle,  and  other  foreign  Spas. 


26 


HYDROTHERAPY  AT  SARATOGA. 


which  free  gas  collects ;  until  at  inter- 
vals the  tension  becomes  so  great  that 
forcible  expansion  takes  place  :  the  ac- 
cumulated   gas,    so    to    speak,    blows 


^i[ 


'/ 


itself  off,  resulting   in    periodically    in- 
creased upward  pressure  in  the  tube. 

At    the    Champion    the   column    of 
water  is  said   to  have  been   driven  at 


GEOLOGICAL    CONDITIONS.  27 

times  upward  of  ninety  feet  into  the 
air.*  Similar,  although  milder  pheno- 
mena, observed  at  other  places,f  where 
the  paucity  of  gas  would  preclude  this 
theory,  are  attributed  to  syphon  action 
emptying  a  natural  cistern,  and  tem- 
porarily ceasing  during  the  intervals 
while  it  refills  (?). 

Professor  Tyndall  has  demonstrated 
that  the  magnificent  spouting  Geysers 
of  Iceland  owe  their  recurrent  accelera- 
tions to  periodic  explosions  of  con- 
densed steam,  generated  at  a  higher 
temperature^ — relatively  equal,  owing 
to  increased  pressure — deep  in  the 
earth's  bosom. 

There  are  already  more  than  forty 

*  Butler. 

t  Such  as  Colmars  ;  or  Pliniana  on  the  shores  of 
Como,  described  by  Pliny. —  Walto7i. 


28         H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

mineral  springs  in  the  village  and  im- 
mediate vicinity  of  Saratoga  ;  and 
without  doubt  others  may  be  dis- 
covered whenever  sought  for.  As  far 
as  can  be  ascertained,  twenty-eight  have 
been  analyzed  at  various  periods  ;  and 
all  are  so  abundantly  mineralized  that 
there  can  be  no  question  as  to  the 
propriety  of  styling  them  "  mineral 
waters  "  ;  although  the  term,  as  gener- 
ally applied,  is  ambiguous,  and  not  a 
few  springs  in  other  localities,  which 
have  acquired  reputation  for  medical 
properties,  are  found  on  analysis  to 
differ  little  from  some  ordinary  potable 
waters.  Any  one  of  Saratoga's  waters 
possesses  more  chemical  quality  and 
therapeutic  merit  than  many  European 
Spas,  which  have  earned  world-wide 
celebrity. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

CLASSIFICATION    AND    ANALYSES. 

For  a  clear  understanding  of  the 
general  subject,  and  for  comparison  of 
our  own  with  foreign  waters,  a  scien- 
tific classification  of  all  mineral  springs 
would  be  desirable ;  and  has  been 
attempted  at  various  times  with,  un- 
fortunately, but  indifferent  success. 

There  is  a  French,  a  German,  and 
an  American  classification.  Waters 
have  been  classified  according  to 
their  chemical  characteristics  as  alka- 
li7ie,  saline,  chalybeated,  stilp  hated, 
magnesian,  lit  hie,  calcic,  salicious,  iodized, 
arsenical,  and  acidtdoits ;  according  to 
their  gaseous   qualities,    as  carbonated, 


29 


so        HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

sulphuretted,  carburetted,  and  nitro- 
genized  ox  azotized ;  according  to  their 
temperature,  as  cold,  warm  and  hot,  or 
thermal  and  non-thermal ;  and  finally, 
according  to  their  therapeutic  effects, 
as  laxative,  aperient,  cathartic,  diu- 
retic,  alterative,  anti-lithic,  tonic,  and 
strengthening.  But  all  of  these  divi- 
sions are  unsatisfactory,  and  in  practice 
misleading. 

In  chemical  enumeration  it  is  only 
possible  to  indicate  the  more  promi- 
nent constitutents,  ignoring  minor 
ones,  which  not  infrequently  are  im- 
portant factors  in  determining  the 
special  characteristic  and  remedial 
potency  of  the  water ;  and  further, 
most  well-known  springs  —  notably 
those  under  consideration — contain  not 
one,  but  many  distinct  and   important 


CLA SSIFICA  TION  AND  ANAL  YSES.        3 ^ 


mineral  ingredients  ;  and  might  there- 
fore claim  recognition  under  almost 
any  of  these  headings.  Dr.  A.  C. 
Peale,  in  his  recent  valuable  reports  to 
the  United  States  Geological  Survey  * 
describes  the  Saratoga  waters  as  car- 
bonaiedy  sodzc-murzated,  alkaline ^  saline  ; 
to  which  he  might  have  truthfully  sub- 
jointed  the  additional  qualities  oichaly- 
beated  and  calcic. 

From  the  therapeutical  standpoint  a 
classification  is  quite  as  hopeless.  It 
may  be  frankly  admitted  that  we  have 
not  as  yet  a  sufficiently  accurate  clini- 
cal knowledge  of  the  effects  of  mineral 
water  drinking,  alone,  and  unaided  by 
auxiliary  circumstances,  in  scientifi- 
cally diagnosed  disease,  to  form  a  reli- 
able estimate  of  the  relative  value  of 

*  Bulletin,  32. 


3 2         HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

Springs  of  various  quality  ;  or  the 
exact  place  to  which  mineral  hydro- 
therapy generally  is  entitled  among 
other  measures  of  sound  practice. 
Moreover  in  attempting  to  classify  a 
water  by  its  effects,  it  should  be  re- 
membered that  these  are  largely 
governed  by  the  method  of  imbiba- 
tion  :  the  hour  of  the  day,  the  quantity 
taken,  and  the  physical  condition  of 
the  individual.  For  example,  a  given 
quantity  of  any  of  the  saline  waters' 
taken  fasting  in  the  morning,  may  act 
as  a  brisk  aperient — by  passing  rapidly 
through  the  alimentary  canal,  thus 
exciting  secretion  and  increased  peris- 
taltic action  ;  wljereas,  the  same  quan- 
tity of  the  same  water,  taken  in  divided 
draughts  throughout  the  day,  is  easily 
absorbed   into    the   blood,  and   conse- 


CLA  SSI  PICA  TION  A  ND  ANAL  YSES.        3  3 

quently  may  produce  excellent  alterative 
and  diuretic  effects,  but  without  per- 
ceptible influence  upon  the  bowels. 

As  already  stated,  mineral  water 
analysis  can  only  be  absolutely  reliable 
in  the  estimation  of  basic  salts  and 
acids.  The  combination  of  these,  as 
supposed  to  exist  in  nature,  is  merely 
surmise  upon  the  part  of  the  analyst  ; 
although  based  upon  a  general  knowl- 
edge of  chemical  affinities,  and  no 
doubt  in  most  instances  approximately 
correct. 

Unfortunately  the  present  study  of 
the  Saratoga  springs  is  hampered  by 
yet  another,  and  more  serious  source  of 
error,  which  it  is  hoped  may  be  early 
eliminated  from  future  investigation. 
Of  the  analyses  now  available,  not  a 
few  were  made  many  years  ago,  long 


34        HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

before  the  use  of  the  spectroscope,  and 
other  advances  in  the  science  of  water 
analysis,  had  rendered  possible  an 
accurate  report.  It  is  therefore  emi- 
nently desirable,  independent  of  possi- 
ble changes  in  the  waters  themselves, 
that  these  springs  should  be  re-ex- 
amined by  some  chemist  whose  name 
could  be  accepted  as  a  guarantee. 

Owners  neglecting  this  hint  will  lay 
themselves  open  to  grave  suspicion  ; 
more  especially,  as  it  has  been  observeS, 
both  here  and  abroad,*  that  the  effects 
of  mineral  waters  are  not  always  what 
might  be  expected  from  the  analyses ; 
but  that  certain  springs  produce  more 
powerful  influence,  and  of  a  nature 
fairly  attributable  to  their  contents, 
than  do  others  stated  to  contain  the 

*  Madden,  "  Spas  of  Germany." 


CLASSIFICA  TION  AND  ANAL  YSES.        35 

same  ingredients  in  very  much  larger 
quantities. 

Nevertheless,  in  the  absence  of  trust- 
worthy clinical  evidence,  a  careful 
scrutiny  and  comparison  of  the  com- 
ponent parts  shown  by  analysis  will 
always  be  our  best  guide  in  the  thera- 
peutic employment  of  mineral  waters. 

Analyses,  as  commonly  presented, 
are  startling  masses  of  figures,  calcul- 
ated to  puzzle  even  an  expert  arith- 
metician, and  conveying  little  informa- 
tion to  the  casual  investioator.  The 
quantities  of  quite  crude  substances  are 
stated  in  fractions  so  minute  as  to  be 
absolutely  ridiculous.  For  instance,  of 
waters  such  as  those  under  considera- 
tion, many  of  which  contain  as  much  as 
five  or  six  hundred  grains  of  common 
salt    to  the  gallon,  it  seems   only   de- 


36         H  YDRO  THERA  PY  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

signed  to  perplex,  that  the  exact 
quantity  of  this  useful  ingredient 
should  be  particularized  down  to  three 
decimals  of  a  grain  per  gallon — or 
about  the  one  two-thousandth  part,  to 
a  full  gallon  of  water,  of  what  one 
would  ordinarily  consume  on  a  boiled 
egg,  without  being  conscious  of  any 
medication  whatever  ! 

The  following  tables  are  constructed 
so  as  to  show  at  a  glance  the  quantities 
and  proportions  of  all  tangible  ingredi- 
ents— a  one-hundred  part  of  a  grain  to 
the  gallon  being  deemed  as  amply  ac- 
curate for  even  the  most  scanty  and 
potent  constituent  with  which  we  have 
to  deal ;  and  the  water  being  over- 
credited  with  any  more  minute  frac- 
tion stated  in  the  analysis  quoted. 
"Traces"  of  commonplace  commodities, 


CLA SSIFICA  TION  A ND  ANAL  YSES.        3 7 

such  as  borax  and  strontia,  supposed  to 
exist  in  quantities  so  infinitesimal  as 
cannot  be  expressed  even  in  thousandth 
parts  of  a  grain  to  the  gallon,  and, 
which  could  not  be  suspected  of  thera- 
peutic influence  by  the  most  ultra- 
homeopath,  are  omitted  altogether. 

The  skeleton  table  is  especially  de- 
signed for  an  easy  comparison  of  the 
different  springs. 


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Only  the  analyses  marked  *  are  deemed  absolu 

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The  Hathorn  Spring  has  a 

new  analysis  in  course  of  preparation  at  time  of  | 

going  to  press,     c 

Contains 

Ammonia  Bicarb., 

6.59  grains,     a.  Includes  Sul- 

phates 

of  Soda,  M 

agnesium 

and  Calcium,     p^. 

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i  Manganese  Eicarb.,  1.38  grain,    p.  Contains  A 

mmonia  Bicarb.,  2  grains, 

and 

Manganese,   0.49 

grain,     r. 

Given  as  Oxide  of  Iron,     t  Contains  Chlorid 

-of 

Ammonia,  .80  grain.     %  Contains    Chloride   oi 

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SKELETON  ANALYSIS  OF  ONE 
U.  S.  GALLON. 


Name  of  Spring. 


tn 

a 
o 

Ui 

o 

a 

0 

s 
U 

i 

Total  Alkaline 

BiCARBONATES. 

z 

0 

0: 

II2I 

715 

400 

.70 

"95 

742 

446 

.65 

408 

267 

130 

5.58 

894 

577 

306 

•74 

680 

510 

163 

.80 

258 

166 

79 

3.00 

514 

377 

124 

3.22 

719 

454 

258 

•47 

991 

586 

400 

.98 

460 

297 

154 

5-39 

821 

512 

305 

.86 

628 

399 

221 

1.48 

270 

127 

140 

.10 

351 

152 

193 

i^56 

1290 

818 

463 

•76 

518 

a8i 

233 

1.22 

687 

'  467 

210 

2.58 

419 

201 

212 

1.03 

416 

213 

197 

1.08 

255 

90 

159 

2.10 

518 

274 

236 

1.23 

657 

56s 

85 

1.72 

302 

135 

160 

1.71 

337 

145 

186 

2.51 

696 

462 

228 

.27 

331 

150 

176 

350 

182 

158 

3^8i 

367 

142 

222 

1   .06 

<  -5 
6  ^ 


Carlsbad 

Champion 

Columbian.  . . . 

Congress 

Empire 

Eureka 

Excelsior , 

Favorite 

Geyser 

Hamilton 

Hathorn 

High  Rock 

Imperial ....    . 
Kissengen .    . . , 

Lafayette 

Patterson 

Pavilion , 

Peerless 

Putnam 

Red  Spring. . . 

Royal 

Saratoga  A.  , . 

Seltzer 

Star 

Union 

United  States 
Washington  . . 
Vichy. ..... 


6.70 
6.25 

S-33 
2.09 


5.32 
9.01 

7^30 

3.24 

5-13 
8.05 
2.32 
9.49 
1.29 
1.97 

•94 
2.24 

.90 
2.04 
2.00 
4.85 

^•77 


713 
465 
272 

537 
644 

239 
250 

963 
454 
316 
491 
409 
287 
361 
810 
417 
332 
502 
405 

500 
212 

324 
407 

384 
245 
363 
383 


CHAPTER  V. 

COMPONENT      PARTS     OF      THE     SARATOGA 
WATERS. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  identical 
elements  are  present  In  almost  all  the 
Saratoga  waters;  a  feature  which 
would  still  pertain  if  the  analyses  of 
the  other  famous  springs  of  the  world  ♦ 
were  grouped  with  these  in  a  single 
table. 

Even  when  compared  with  the 
popular  Bohemian  group — Carlsbad, 
Marlenbad,  and  Franzensbad,  so  much 
sought  after  by  Americans,  and 
gravely  stated  to  be  ''quite  different 
from  anything  In  this  country " — it 
will  be  found  that  the  Saratoga  waters, 


39 


40         HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 


while  superior  in  many  respects,  are 
composed  of  practically  the  same 
chemical  ingredients  ;  with  but  a  single 
exception,  scarcely  to  be  regretted, 
the  lack  of  sulphate  of  soda,  or 
glauber  salts  :  a  commodity  so  crude 
and  unimportant,  that  it  is  passed 
over  in  a  recent  text-book  of  materia 
medica*  with  the  single  comment  that 
it  has  ''long  since  ceased  to  be  used." 

But  although  the  same  constituents 
exist  in  the  various  Saratoga  springs,* 
they  are  so  diversely  proportioned,  that 
what  are  the  prominent  and  potential 
elements  of  one,  have  relatively  small 
importance  in  another  ;  and  thus  the 
aggregate  characteristics  differ  so 
widely,  that  we  find  among  them  quite 
dissimilar  compound  remedies  ;  and  fair 

*Bartholow,  "  Materia  Medica." 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        4I 

representatives  of  almost  every  type 
of  serviceable  mineral  water.  And, 
strange  as  it  may  seem,  the  particular 
effect  of  the  most  prominent  compo- 
nent appears  to  be  invariably  empha- 
sized by  the  associated  influence  of  the 
accompanying  substances. 

On  the  other  hand,  not  a  few  of  the 
most  esteemed  waters  are  so  similar 
throughout ;  or  the  gradations  are  so 
finely  shaded  off,  that  a  choice  between 
them  must  rest  upon  convenience  or 
empirical  repute. 

All  are  abundantly  supplied  with 
carbonic  acid  gas,  the  most  impor- 
tant component  of  a  mineral  water ; 
since,  independent  of  its  own  special 
qualities,  it  brings  into  solution  sub- 
stances which  would  otherwise  be  in- 
ert,, and  renders  the    water  attractive, 


42         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

palatable,  and  easily  digested.  The 
quantity  in  the  Saratoga  waters  varies 
from  25  to  65  cubic  inches  to  the  pint ; 
or  about  doubly  as  much  as  contained 
in  most  of  their  celebrated  European 
rivals.  It  is  especially  valuable  in  the 
chalybeate  waters,  to  which — as  well 
as  the  milder  alkaline  and  saline  waters, 
such  as  the  Patterson,  Peerless,  Royal, 
Kissengen,  and  Vichy — it  imparts  an 
exceedingly  pleasant  taste  and  grate- 
ful influence  upon  the  stomach. 

All  contain  chlorides  of  sodium 
and  potassium — the  chloride  of  sodium 
ranging,  as  grains  per  pint,  from  88  in 
the  Champion,  84  in  the  Carlsbad,  70 
in  the  Geyser,  68  in  the  Congress,  and 
59  in  the  Hathorn,  down  to  about  11 
in  the  Red  Spring,  and  9  in  the  mis- 
named Magnetic. 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        43 


All  contain  bicarbonate  of  sodium, 
the  most  active  of  the  alkaline  group, 
but  the  Vichy  and  Kissengen  in 
greater  quantities,  both  absolutely 
and  in  proportion  to  other  ingredients. 

All  contain  magnesium  and  calcium, 
but  in  very  diverse  proportions. 

All  contain  lithium  ^'^ — the    Pavilion, 

Geyser,      and     Hathorn     in      greater 

quantity     than     any     of     "■  the     lithia 

waters  "  so  widely  advertised — at  least 

four  times  as  much  as  most  of  them. 

All  contain  iron,  but  in  some  it  is  the 
merest  trace,  scarce  noticeable  even  as 
a  tannate  when  mixed  with  wines  and 
spirits,  while  the  Columbian,  Hamilton, 
Washington,  and  Pavilion  are  power- 
ful chalybeate  waters. 

Almost  all  contain  the  iodide  and  bro- 

*  The  older  analysts  probably  failed  to  recognize  it. 


44         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

mide  of  sodium — the  latter  salt  being 
especially  noticeable  in  the  Congress — 
but  usually  in  quantities  so  minute  that 
one  might  question  the  possibility  of 
therapeutic  effect,  had  it  not  been 
proven  by  clinical  experience  ;  and  did 
we  not  know  that  foreign  waters,  by 
which  distinct  symptoms  of  iodism 
have  been  induced,  possess  no  more 
than  these.*  The  Carlsbad  and  Pat- 
terson contain  bicarbonate  of  ammonia ; 
and  the  Putnam  and  Patterson  bicar- 
bonate of  manganese. 

Almost  all  contain  sulphate  of  po- 
tassium, alumina,  silica,  and  barium ; 
scarcely  enough,  however,  to  warrant 
the  expectation  of  specific  result,  but 

*  Wildegg,  to  i6  oz.,  0.218  of  a  grain. — Madden,  op. 
cit.  Kreuznach,  Elise  Spring,  0.035;  Hall,  o.ioo; 
Krankenheil  and  Diirkheim,  o.oio. — Braun,  op.  cit. 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        45 

worth  remembering  when  making 
choice  between  otherwise  similar  wa- 
ters. 

As  in  ordinary  prescribing  the  secret 
of  success — our  ultra-scientific  (?)  Ger- 
man confreres  notwithstanding — lies 
not  so  much  in  the  selection  of  the  single 
drug  chiefly  indicated  in  the  disease,  as 
in  skillful  combination  with  it  of  other 
remedial  agents,  which,  without  ham- 
pering its  activity  in  the  directions 
looked  for,  diminish  the  undesired  con- 
sequences frequently  unavoidable  in 
the  adequate  exhibition  of  efficacious 
medicaments.  So,  in  mineral  waters 
nature  presents  us  with  endless  com- 
binations already  prepared ;  but  to 
their  proficient  utilization  a  somewhat 
converse  talent  must  be  applied. 

The  value  of  a  particular  substance 


46         HYDRO  THE  RAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

must  be  estimated,  not  only  by  the  ab- 
solute quantities  contained  in  a  given 
measure  of  water,  but  also  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  other  component  parts  of 
the  same  water,  which  are  indivisibly 
associated  with  it.  For  example,  one 
might  gladly  prescribe  the  grain  of  bi- 
carbonate of  lithium  contained  in  about 
a  pint  of  Geyser  water,  without  desir- 
ing to  administer  the  seventy  grains  of 
common  salt,  which  must  accompany 
it.  Whereas,  in  another  case  this  pre- 
cise dose  of  carbonated  saline  water 
might  be  exactly  what  was  indicated, 
while  the  presence  or  absence  of  lithium 
would  be  practically  immaterial. 

It  is,  however,  also  well  before  select- 
ing a  particular  spring  and  determining 
the  dose  for  a  given  case,  to  disassociate, 
and    consider    separately,  the    amount 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        47 

and  therapeutic  significance  of  its  prin- 
cipal components. 

Salines. — Chloride  of  sodium,  or 
common  salt,  is  the  most  universal  in- 
gredient of  all  mineral  waters  ;  being 
often  most  prominent  even  in  those 
named  after  some  other  characteristic 
component.  The  considerable  quantity 
shown  in  the  analyses  of  the  Saratoga 
springs  might  startle,  and  even  repel, 
one  unaware  of  its  manifold  usefulness 
in  the  workings  of  the  economy. 

The  quest  of  salt,  as  a  daily  condi- 
ment, is  one  of  the  earliest  and  in- 
grained of  human  instincts  ;  and  more 
than  any  other  has  marked  the  advance 
from  nomadic  to  civilized  life.  Its  use 
is  amply  indorsed  by  recent  physiologi- 
cal experiment.  It  is  found  to  be  by 
far    the   most   constant  and    plentiful 


48         HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

mineral  compound  of  the  healthy  body  ; 
and  is  absolutely  essential  to  its  proper 
nutrition  and  general  well-being.  Om- 
nipresent in  the  tissues,  bones,  and 
juices,  it  is  largely  concerned  in  the 
metabolism — both  constructive  and 
eliminative — which  constitutes  the  ac- 
tive mechanism  of  life.  Salt  is  a  neces- 
sary constituent  of  the  blood ;  main- 
taining the  solution  of  albumen  and 
fibrine,  while  preserving  the  integrity 
of  the  blood  corpuscles.  It  promotes 
osmosis,  and  wherever  fluid  transuda- 
tion takes  place,  chloride  of  sodium  is 
certainly  present.  It  favors  absorption, 
secretion,  and  elimination  of  all  kinds 
— more  especially,  the  excretion  of 
urea.  It  increases  the  flow  of  gastric 
juice  and  bile ;  contributing  to  the 
formation  of  the  hydrochloric  acid  req- 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        49 

uisite  to  the  former.  It  is  also  an  im- 
portant (actor  of  the  saliva  and  pan- 
creatic juice,  thus  assisting  in  the  di- 
gestion of  starchy  foods.  It  prevents 
fermentation  in  the  stomach  and  bow- 
els ;  and  maintains  the  solubility  of  the 
chyme,  especially  as  regards  albumen- 
ous  and  amylacious  substances.  In 
short,  it  appears  to  exercise  a  kind  of 
antiseptic,  and  most  beneficial,  guard- 
ianship over  the  entire  organism. 

No  wonder,  then,  that  it  should  be 
eaten  upon  almost  every  article  of  food, 
and  rank  high  among  the  ''  necessities 
of  life."  The  normal  human  body  con- 
tains about  one-quarter  of  a  pound  of 
common  salt,*  and  the  average  con- 
sumption by  each  person  is  supposed  to 
range  from  forty  to  four  hundred  grains 
*  Lankester  ;  Dalton,  "  Human  Physiology." 


50         HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

per  day  ;  while  in  Russia,  where,  prob- 
ably owing  to  the  dirty  habits  of  the 
people,  there  seems  to  be  a  still  greater 
necessity  for  salt,  and  two  ounces  a  day 
is  not  deemed  excessive  for  those  who 
can  afford  it,  the  divinely  assigned 
paternity  of  the  Czar  has  emphasized 
itself  by  laws  monopolizing  the  produc- 
tion of  that  article. 

Considered  independently  of  other 
ingredients,  and  without  reference  to 
alteration  of  accustomed  diet,  from 
sixty  to  three  hundred  grains  in  the 
daily  quantity  of  mineral  water  may  be 
regarded  as  a  dose.  The  minimum 
will  usually  suffice  for  general  purposes, 
while  any  excess  above  the  maximum 
figure  would  probably  be  followed  by 
irritation  of  the  stomach  and  bowels, 
and  acute  disturbance  of  digestion. 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WA  TERS.        5 1 

The  chloride  of  potassium,  present  in 
much  smaller  quantity,  seems  to  pos- 
sess somewhat  analogous  properties, 
but  is  of  relatively  little  importance. 
It  is  supposed  by  some  recent  physiolo- 
gists to  be  mainly  engaged  in*  retro- 
gressive changes. 

Alkaline  Bicarbonates. — Next  in 
order,  both  as  to  quantity  and  remedial 
importance,  comes  the  alkaline  group  : 
the  bicarbonates  of  sodium,  magnesium, 
calcium,  and  lithium.  Physiologists  fail 
to  assign  them  any  well-defined  place 
in  the  workings  of  the  healthy  organism. 
Bicarbonate  of  sodium  is  believed  to 
maintain  the  normal  alkalinity  of  the 
blood,  saliva,  bile,  milk,  and  mucous 
secretions  ;  and  to  assist  the  chloride 
of  sodium  in  the  solution  of  fibrin  and 

*  Wroninch  in  "  Schmidt's  Jahrb." — Braun,  op,  cit. 


5  2         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SA  RA  TOGA. 

albumen;  lime  is  concerned  in  the 
formation  and  renewal  of  bone ;  and 
traces  of  each  are  found  in  muscles  and 
other  parts  of  the  body. 

It  is,  however,  in  the  many  abnormal 
conditions,  dependent  upon  excess  of 
acid  in  the  system,  that  the  bicarbon- 
ates  exercise  their  highly  corrective 
potency.  In  the  state  of  perfect  solu- 
tion in  which  they  exist  in  these  mineral 
waters,  they  not  only  neutralize  hyper- 
acidity of  the  stomach  and  digestive 
tract,  but  they  are  rapidly  absorbed 
into  the  blood  and  there  rectify  the 
morbid  prominence  of  acids,  which  give 
rise  to  gout,  rheumatism,  many  catarrhs, 
calculus,  gravel,  and  the  host  of  painful 
conditions.  Each  of  the  bicarbonates 
co-operates  with  the  others  in  attaining 
this   result.     Even   the  bicarbonate  of 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        53 

lime,  which  has  been  regarde^by  some 
as  a  useless  salt,  has  recently  been 
proven  on  high  authority  *  to  exercise 
a  particularly  beneficial  influence  by  its 
exceptionally  high  power  of  amalgam- 
ating with  acids,  and  by  interchanges 
with  the  alkaline  phosphates  of  the 
blood,  becoming  itself  a  phosphate. 
It  also  improves  the  flavor  of  the  water. 

Bicarbonate  of  magnesia  Is  perhaps 
the  most  perfect  stomachic  antacid ; 
beside  possessing  a  mild  purgative 
tendency,  wiiich  readily  re-enforces 
the  similar  ,  influence  of  chloride 
salts. 

The  exact  position  of  bicarbonate  of 
llthia   is  still  difficult  to  define.      Since 


^  Moriz  Wagner,  "  Untersuchungen  iiber  die  Re- 
sorption der  calciumsalze  "  ;  Pfeiffer ;  Fiirst,  Deutsche 
Med.  Zeitu7ig,  i8gi. 


54         H  YDRO  THE  RAP  Y  AT  SARATOGA, 

the  discovery,  not  so  many  years  ago, 
of  its  easy  affinity  for  uric  acid,  it  has 
steadily  grown  in  popular  favor ;  and 
possibly  its  merits  have  been  exagger- 
ated. Nevertheless,  it  has  been  shown 
to  unite  with  uric  acid  more  readily 
than  the  other  alkalies,  and  to  form  a 
compound  more  soluble  and  readily 
disposed  of  by  the  kidneys  ;  and,  even 
by  those  who  declare  it  overrated,  it  is 
credited  with  the  peculiar  faculty  of 
promoting  the  combining  power  of  the 
other  bicarbonates.^  Clearly  its  pres- 
ence cannot  be  overlooked,  even  in 
waters  otherwise  so  favored  as  those  of 
Saratoga. 

The  alkaline  bicarbonates  must  be 
looked  upon  as  purely  remedial — in- 
valuable in  various  abnormal  conditions, 

*  Fiirst,  Ebstein. 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        55 

but  in  no  sense  contrlbutinpf  to  the  nu- 
trition  of  the  healthy  body,  as  does  the 
chloride  of  sodium.  They  promote  re- 
trogressive change  of  tissue  mainly  ; 
and  consequently,  if  it  were  not  for 
the  corrective  influence  of  the  chloride 
of  sodium,  would  tend,  when  long 
continued,  to  weaken  digestion,  ema- 
ciate the  body,  and  diminish  the 
amount  of  fibrin  in  the  blood.  But 
in  the  Saratoga  waters  the  happy  com- 
bination with  carbonic  acid,  and  gen- 
erally with  iron,  as  well  as  the  chloride 
of  sodium,  counteracts  their  otherwise 
depressing  effect ;  while  the  latter  salt 
performs  yet  another  important  func- 
tion in  favoring  the  safe  elimination  of 
the  various  alkaline  urates  formed  by 
the  union  of  the  bicarbonates  with  uric 
acid  in  the  blood ;  which  might  other- 


5  6         HYDRO  THERA  PY  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

wise  prove  as  undesirable  as  the  uric 
acid  itself. 

The  therapeutic  uses  of  the  promi- 
nently alkaline  waters  being  mainly 
with  the  acid  dyscrasise  of  gout  and 
rheumatism,  and  in  certain  forms  of 
dyspepsia  and  renal  diseases,  may  ap- 
propriately be  discussed  more  fully 
when  considering  those  conditions  in  a 
future  chapter. 

The  value  of  both  chlorides,  alka- 
lies and  gas,  in  external  application,  is 
considered  in  the   chapter  upon  Baths. 

Iron. — The  chalybeate  springs  of 
Saratoga  are  in  every  respect  among 
the  finest  in  the  world.  They  contain 
about  five  and  one-half  grains  of  bicar- 
bonate of  iron  to  the  gallon,  which  is 
an  unusually  large  amount ;  but,  as 
with     other      distinctly     characteristic 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        57 


waters,  the  utility  of  the  leading  com- 
ponent   is    not    so  much    to   be  deter- 
mined  by   the  quantity^  present,  as  by 
its  combination  with  other  ingredients, 
and     consequent      digestibility.       The 
copious    impregnation    with    carbonic 
acid  gas,  already  alluded  to,  contributes 
largely    to    the    excellence    of     these 
waters  ;  for,  not  only  does   it  increase 
the   solubility   of  the  iron   itself — thus 
making  it  infinitely  more  potent  than 
proportionate  doses  of  any  pharmaceu- 
tic   preparation — but    it   facilitates    its 
amalgamation    with    the    alkaline  and 
saline  components,    conceals   the    inky 
ferruginous    flavor  common   to    chaly- 
beate waters,  and  renders  these  spark- 
ling, piquapt,  and  easily  assimilated. 

Indeed  so  palatable  are  these  waters 
that  a  word  of  warning  is  necessary  to 


5 8         HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

those  who,  unaware  of  their  medical 
potency,  might  be  tempted  to  use  them 
too  freely. 

Iron  is  not,  as  most  medicines,  a 
substance  foreign  to  the  normal  organ- 
ism. Like  the  chloride  of  sodium,  it 
exists  in  many  parts  of  the  healthy 
body,  and  no  doubt  performs  an 
important  office.  It  is  a  material  ele- 
ment of  the  haematin,  which  cannot  be 
formed  without  it ;  and  also  of  the  red 
corpuscles,  which  represent  the  life 
supporting  function  of  the  blood,  and 
have  been  proven  to  diminish  rapidly 
in  numbers  when  in  need  of  iron.''* 

In  health,  the  ordinary  mixed  diet 
provides  enough  for  all  purposes  ;  but 
during  and  after  exhausting  illness, 
severe  hemorrhage,  or  similar  depress- 

*  Bartholow,  op.  cit. 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        59 

Ine  influences,  the  want  of  iron  is 
plainly  manifest ;  and  is  usually  accom- 
panied with  such  loss  of  vigor  in  the 
digestive  and  assimilative  functions, 
that  it  cannot  be  supplied  in  the  usual 
form  of  nutriment.  Administered  by 
the  preparations  of  the  pharmacopoeia, 
the  stomach  is  often  intolerant  of  its 
presence,  or  it  passes  away  unabsorbed 
in  the  stools. 

By  these  chalybeate  waters,  on  the 
other  hand,  the  iron,  owing  to  its  abso- 
lute solution,  is  not  only  readily 
absorbed — -thus  contributing  directly  to 
the  formation  of  red  blood — but  when 
judiciously  used  promotes  digestion, 
increases  the  disposition  to  consume 
blood-producing  foods,  and  the  ability 
to  utilize  them.  To  which  ends  it  is 
seconded  by  the  accompanying  salines, 


6o         H YDR O THERA PY  AT  SARATOGA. 

which — not  like  the  sulphate  salts — 
show  for  it  a  marked  affinity ;  and 
further,  by  their  laxative  tendency, 
avoid  in  most  instances  the  necessity 
of  purgatives,  so  common  during  an 
ordinary  course  of  iron. 

From  these  considerations,  may  be 
inferred  how  invaluable  is  a  perfect 
chalybeate  water  in  the  long  list  of 
infirmities  in  which  iron  would  be  indi- 
cated in  everyday  practice ;  that  is,  in 
all  conditions  in  which  anaemia  is  a 
prominent  characteristic  :  in  chlorosis, 
protracted  convalescence  from  severe 
illness,  or  surgical  operations  ;  in  all 
forms  of  hemorrhage,  bad  confine- 
ments, and  over-prolonged  lactation ;  in 
almost  all  derangements  of  the  men- 
strual function — amenorrhcea,  of  the 
anaemic  type,  as  well  as  menorrhagia ; 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        6i 

in  exhausting  catarrhs  of  the  uterus 
and  mucus  membranes  ;  in  the  scrof- 
ulous, malarial,  and  specific  cach- 
exias ;  and  in  the  host  of  other  mala- 
dies in  which  imperfect  performance  of 
function,  general  want  of  tone,  and 
debility,  indicate  poverty  of  blood. 
It  is  interesting  to  note  that  the  more 
recent  and  direct  is  the  cause  of 
anaemia,  the  more  readily  is  the  iron 
taken  up,  and  utilized  by  the  system. 

Valuable  as  are  these  waters,  it  is  es- 
sential that  all  who  partake  of  them,  or 
counsel  their  use  by  others,  should  fully 
realize  that  they  are  not  alone  a  pleas- 
ant beverage,  but  more  particularly  a 
powerful  medicament ;  which,  indis- 
creetly used,  is  just  as  potent  for  evil, 
as,  under  suitable  circumstances,  it 
might  be  for  good. 


62         H YDRO THERA PY  AT  SARATOGA. 

Chalybeate  waters  are  contra-indi- 
cated in  a  very  considerable  portion  of 
cases :  in  all  forms  of  plethora,  espe- 
cially in  short-necked,  full-blooded  per- 
sons, with  a  proneness  to  rush  of  blood 
to  the  head,  and  in  the  hyper-sanguin- 
eous temperament  in  general;  in  chronic 
stagnate  conditions  of  the  brain  or 
cord,  nervous  hypersemia,  accompanied 
with  vaso-motor  irritability,  and  a  ten- 
dency to  hemorrhage  or  local  conges- 
tions ;  and  in  all  cases  where  there  is 
reason  to  suspect  the  integrity  of  the 
blood  vessels.  In  all  such  conditions 
the  chalybeate  waters  might  prove  ac- 
tively dangerous  ;  and  even  Saratoga — 
absolutely  safe  as  one  might  be  led  to 
consider  the  waters,  from  the  reckless 
use  of  them  which  is  constantly  going 
on,  without  much  apparent  harm — is  not 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.         ^Z 

without  its  traditions  of  serious  mishap. 
Even  in  suitable  cases,  or  in  perfect 
health,  the  excessive  use  of  the  stronger 
chalybeate  waters  is  apt  to  produce 
unpleasant  symptoms  :  excited  cardiac 
action,  cerebral  congestion,  mental  con- 
fusion, pain  in  the  head  and  dizziness  ; 
and  there  are  some  persons  who  show 
marked  repugnance  to  iron  in  any  tan- 
gible form.  Under  no  circumstance 
can  anything  be  gained  by  large  doses  ; 
for,  it  is  an  established  fact  that  the 
blood  cannot  be  forced  to  take  up  more 
iron  than  its  normal  amount — about 
forty-five  grains — and  the  deficiency,  no 
matter  how  caused,  can  seldom  exceed 
ten    to    twenty  grains.*     Any  attempt 

*  Halliburton,  "Chemical  Physiology";  Dalton,<7/, 
cit.;  one  part  of  iron  to  230  of  red  globules,  Gorup- 
Basanez. — Bartholow. 


64         H YDR 0 THERA PY  AT  SARATOGA. 

to  introduce  more  than  this  quantity, 
merely  impedes  that,  which  in  smaller 
doses,  would  have  been  absorbed  and 
utilized.  One  grain  of  iron  contained 
in  about  a  pint  and  a  half  of  the  Col- 
umbian or  Hamilton  springs,  taken  in 
at  least  three  parts  throughout  the  day, 
may  be  regarded  as  amply  sufficient  for 
any  indication  ;  and  about  one-third  of 
that  amount  as  suitable  for  the  average 
case. 

Water. — In  a  detailed  estimate  of 
the  component  parts  of  a  mineral 
water,  one  is  apt  to  overlook  that  which 
is  not  only  essential  to  the  utilization 
of  all  the  others,  but,' by  its  own  merits, 
frequently  contributes  most  to  the 
beneficial  results  of  an  hydriatic  course 
—the  water  itself. 

Few  persons,  even  among  those  con- 


COMPOXENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        65 

spicuous  in  discussing  medical  topics, 
realize  the  diatetic  value  of  water,  or 
give  thought  to  the  elementary  truism, 
that  two-thirds  of  the  human  body  are 
composed  of  that  commodity.*  It  is 
abundant  in  the  blood,  and  in  all  the 
secretions,  contributing  from  eighty  to 
ninety-nine  per  cent,  of  the  entire  vol- 
ume of  the  latter ;  while  not  less  than 
fifteen  or  sixteen  pounds  of  water  cir- 
culate in  the  blood  of  the  average 
sized  person. f  It  constitutes  about  sev- 
enty per  cent,  of  muscle,  and  propor- 
tionately of  all  other  animal  structures. 
Not  only  is  water  thus  preponderant 
in  quantity,  but  it  is  the  most  indispen- 
sable element  in  all  the  complex  phe- 
nomena of  life.      It  maintains  the  fluid- 

*  Dalton,  op.  cit.^  et  al,  70  per  cent.;  Halliburton, 
op.  ctt.,  58.5  of  the  adult,  and  66.4  of  the  infant, 
t  Weber  and  Lehmann,  "  Physiological  Chemistry." 


66         H YDRO THERA PY  AT  SARATOGA. 

ity  of  the  blood  and  juices,  requisite  for 
the  solution  of  their  component  ma- 
terial, and  the  healthy  performance  of 
function.  It  is  the  vehicle  by  which 
nutrient  matter  is  carried  into  the  cir- 
culation, and  thence  applied  to  the  sus- 
tenance of  the  body;  but,~even  while 
nutrition  is  occurring,  .  destructive 
changes  are  taking  place  simultan- 
eously, and  hence,  water  is  again  neces- 
sary for  the  solution  and  discharge  of 
used-up  material.  In  fact,  water  is  es- 
sential and  subservient  to  every  vital 
process  of  the  organism  :  to  chemical 
union  and  decomposition,  to  digestion, 
absorption,  transudation,  nutrition,  se- 
cretion, and  elimination ;  and,  conse- 
quently, needs  continual  replenishment, 
in  order  that  its  multitudinous  duties 
may  be  efficiently  performed. 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        67 

Physiologists  *  calculate  that  about 
two  quarts  of  water  per  day,  taken  into 
the  system  either  as  fluid  or  a  compon- 
ent of  solid  food,  is  requisite  for  the 
ordinary  adult.  Which  amount — or, 
strange  to  say,  even  a  little  more,  sup- 
posed to  result  from  the  union  of  its 
chemical  elements  within  the  body — 
having  formed  an  integral  part  of  all 
the  animal  tissues,  and  become  laden 
with  the  effete  products  of  retrogressive 
change,  is  daily  discharged  by  the  kid- 
neys, skin,  lungs,  and  bowels. 

There  are  times,  however,  by  no 
means  infrequent,  owing  to  injudicious 
diet,  lack  of  exercise,  or  other  causes 
inherent  to  our  civilization,  when  this 
ordinary  circulation  of  water  seems  in- 
sufficient for  the  purposes  of  the  econ- 

*  Barral,  Dalton. 


68         H  YDRO  THERA  PY  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

omy  ;  when  morbid  materials  have  accu- 
mulated in  the  blood  and  tissues,  which, 
unless  eliminated,  are  sure  to  manifest 
their  presence  in  some  form  of  ill-health. 
Under  such  circumstances,  the  copious 
imbibation  of  even  ordinary  water, 
without  any  medicinal  ingredient,  will, 
if  tolerated  by  the  stomach,  usually 
answer  the  indication  to  a  marvelous 
degree  ;  for  not  only  does  the  unaccus- 
tomed supply  of  water  directly  stimu- 
late the  excretory  organs,  but  the  in- 
creased fluidity  facilitates  a  semi-me- 
chanical flushing-out  of  the  entire  sys- 
tem. It  has  been  demonstrated  experi- 
mentally* that  water  introduced  into 
the  stomach,  especially  when  of  moder- 
ate temperature,  is  rapidly  absorbed 
into  the  blood,  and  almost  immediately 

*  Becquerel,  Genth,  Mosler,  Braun. 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WATERS.        69 

followed  by  increased  secretion  of  all 
kinds — of  saliva,  gastric  and  pancreatic 
juices,  bile,  perspiration,  exhalation,  and 
urine;  and  .  not  only  is  the  volume  of 
fluid  augmented,  but  also,  very  largely, 
the  quantity  of  normal  solids.  For  in- 
stance, of  the  urine,  it  has  been  proven 
that  unaccustomed  plentiful  water- 
drinking,  although  actually  diminish- 
ing the  amount  of  uric  acid,  will  in- 
crease, not  only  the  quantity  of  water, 
but  also  the  aggregate  of  other  solids — 
mainly  urea,  by  twenty  to  twenty-four 
per  cent,  in  twenty-four  hours. 

From  these  considerations,  it  will  be 
seen  how  important  is  the  regular  con- 
sumption of  fluid.  The  habit,  espe- 
cially common  among  young  ladies,  of 
deluging  the  stomach  with  iced  water, 
is  unquestionably  injurious — producing 


70         HYDRO THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

chronic  congestion,  gastric  catarrh, 
and  dyspepsia,  and  thus  seriously  im- 
paring  general  nutrition  ;  while,  on  the 
contrary,  the  moderate  use  of  fluids — 
of  water,  when  it  can  be  obtained  free 
from  the  organic  impurities  so  danger- 
ous in  the  surface-collected  waters  of 
cities,  or  of  light  wine  at  meal  times, 
especially  as  an  adjunct  to  animal 
food — promotes  digestion  and  sustains 
health.  For  those  unable  to  exercise 
freely,  a  liberal  supply  of  water  is  par- 
ticularly desirable  ;  and,  it  should  be 
remembered,  that  on  account  of  its 
gentle  stimulating  quality,  the  stomach 
will  bear  without  distress,  a  much 
larger  quantity  of  gaseous  than  of 
plain  water. 

In  the  present  treatise,  however,  we 
are  concerned  less  with  the  dietetic  uses 


COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  WA  TERS.        7  i 

of  water,  than  with  Its  special  influence 
as  the  main  factor  in  an  occasional 
course  of  mineral  hydrotherapy ;  and 
the  agent  by  which  important  medic- 
inal substances  are  conveyed  into  the 
system.  Anyone  who  has  had  the 
patience  to  study  the  previous  pages, 
has  at  least  acquired  this  rudimental 
principle  in  the  scientific  utilization  of 
the  Saratoga,  or  any  other  mineral 
waters :  that  even  when  considered 
separately,  the  main  tendency  of 
the  water  itself,  as  well  as  of  its 
principle  ingredients,  is  to  promote 
tissue  change,  or  metabolism  ;  and  that 
when  taken  conjointly,  in  the  form  of 
a  natural  mineral  water,  they  so  mu- 
tually re-enforce  each  other,  that  a 
powerful  influence  is  exercised  in  this 
direction. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

METABOLISM,  AND    ALTERATIVE     EFFECTS. 

For  the  benefit  of  the  non-medical 
reader,  it  may  be  well,  at  this  point,  to 
interpose  a  word  of  explanation  of  the 
term  just  used,  which,  although  by 
no  means  generally  understood,  has 
already,  more  than  once,  crept  into  this 
work,  and  will  be  frequently  and  un- 
avoidably used  hereafter.  The  vital 
process,  or  combination  of  processes, 
variously  described  as,  change  of  tis- 
sue, tissue  metamorphosis,  or  metabol- 
ism, includes  almost  all  the  mechanico- 
chemical  operations  inherent  to  animal 
life :  respiration,  circulation,  alimenta- 
tion,    nutrition,     and    excretion  ;      the 


73 


74         H YDRO THERA PY  AT  SARATOGA. 

mysterious  association  of  function,  by 
which  substances  of  certain  quality  are 
taken  into  the  body  as  food,  digested 
by  the  ferments  of  the  alimentary 
canal,  assimilated  and  absorbed  into 
the  blood,  given  off  again  to  support 
the  structures  of  the  body,  and  ulti- 
mately converted  into  heat,  force,  vi-' 
tality,  and  life.  In  every  living  organ- 
ism there  simultaneously  progress  a 
building  up,  and  a  tearing  down  of  tis- 
sue :  a  constant  interchange  of  used- 
up,  for  utilizable  material.  A  certain 
energy  is  expended  in  the  process  of 
excreting  and  getting  rid  of  the  effete 
products  of  combustion,  which,  having 
fulfilled  their  parts  in  nutrition,  are  no 
longer  of  use  in  the  system — this  pro- 
cess is  retrogressive  metabolism.  The 
loss  so  caused  is   compensated  for  by 


ME T ABOLISH  AND  ALTERA  TIVES.        75 


the  in-take  and  assimilation  of  new 
substances,  which  are  as  constantly 
devoted  to  the  recuperation  of  the 
economy — this  process  is  progressive, 
or  constructive  metabolism.  Any  slug- 
gishness or  impairment  of  either  or 
both  of  these  great  functions — whether 
the  result  of  defect  in  some  particular 
organ,  or  a  general  dyscrasia,  such  as 
malaria,  scrofula,  rheumatism,  gout,  or 
specific  infection — soon  manifests  itself 
in  some  form  of  ill-health. 

And  here,  may  be  appropriately  de- 
fined yet  another  term  inevitable  to 
our  subject,  but,  which  seldom  conveys 
any  definite  meaning  to  the  non-profes- 
sional mind  :  an  alterative  is  a  medica- 
ment, or  an  influence,  which  without 
purgation,  diuresis,  or  other  noticeable 
excess     of     secretion,     or     antecedent 


76         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

phenomena  of  any  kind,  restores  to  its 
normal  condition  the  disordered  pro- 
cess of  metabolism.  It  is  mainly  be- 
cause of  their  alterative  quality,  that  the 
Saratoga  waters  are  so  superlatively 
valuable  in  almost  every  form  of 
chronic  disease — in  all  of  an  indolent 
character.  It  is  equally,  because  of 
their  stimulating  influence  upon  metab- 
olism, that  they  are  usually  contra- 
indicated  in  malignant,  wasting,  or 
inflammatory  ailments ;  or  where  in- 
creased constitutional  activity  might 
be  injurious. 

If  excuse  be  needed  for  the  possibly 
tedious  physiological  details  of  the 
previous  pages,  and  the  frequent  refer- 
ence to  metabolism  in  those  to  come, 
let  it  be  plainly  stated,  that  without 
at  least   as  much  knowledge  of   these 


ME  TABOLISM  A ND  A  L  TERA  TI VES.        77 

matters  as  here  conveyed,  the  scien- 
tific, or  even  rational,  use  of  miner- 
al waters  would  be  absolutely  impos- 
sible ;  and  one  might  as  well,  at  the 
outset,  take  council  with  the  hall-boy, 
or  the  advertising  circular  of  almost 
any  spring.  All  are  sure  to  name 
the  complaint  of  immediate  inter- 
est ;  since  all  lay  claim  to  curative 
powers  in  well-nigh  every  disease  in 
the  nosology.  Take  but  a  single  ex- 
ample. There  is  scarcely  a  mineral 
spring  anywhere  upon  the  face 
of  the  globe,  which  does  not  pre- 
tend to  cure  rheumatism — and  yet 
what  widely  different  conditions  are 
included  under  that  single  term. 
Who  can  suppose  that  the  remedy, 
which  would  benefit  an  ancient  and 
dried-up  valetudinarian,  suffering  from 


78         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

a  chronically  stiff  hip-joint,  could  be  at 
all  suitable,  or  otherwise  than  deleteri- 
ous, to  a  young  person  with  high 
fever,  and  acute  inflammation  of  the 
heart  and  pericardium  ;  ye^  both  may  be 
suffering  from  rheMTnatism. 

Under  ordinary  circumstances  the 
Saratoga  waters,  taken  in  sufficient  ^ 
quantity,  produce  purgation,  diuresis, 
diaphoresis,  and  other  soon  manifest 
effects  upon  excretion ;  which  are 
usually  highly  advantageous,  especially  , 
when  commencing  a  course — but  any  or 
all  of  which  might,  in  most  instances, 
be  as  well  attained  by  a  suitable  pre- 
scription dispensed  according  to  the 
pharmacopoeia.  It  is  not,  therefore, 
upon  such  results  alone — however  use- 
ful under  certain  conditions — that  the 
deservedly    high    reputation    of    these. 


ME  TABOLISM  AND  AL  TERA  TIVES.        79 

waters  depend.  It  is  rather  upon  their 
secondary,  or  alterative  effects,  in  the 
innumerable  chronic  conditions  of  ill 
health — none  the  less  serious  because 
ill-defined — consequent  upon  vitiated 
blood,  or  some  morbific  constitutional 
tendency,  defective  digestion,  imper- 
fect nutrition,  or  partial  failure  of 
any  of  the  vital  functions  included 
under  the  general  term  metabol- 
ism. 

Here  is  the  sphere  in  which  mineral 
hydrotherapy  stands  absolutely  with- 
out a  rival ;  where  a  properly  directed 
course  of  Saratoga  waters — whether 
taken  internally  or  used  as  baths,  or 
both  at  the  same  time,  or  alternately 
as  circumstances  dictate — will  often  suc- 
ceed in  restoring  health,  even  when  the 
ordinary   methods    of    sound   practice 


8o         H  YDRO  THERA  PY  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

have  proved  ineffectual.  But  to  obtain 
these  happy  results,  with  the  approxi- 
mate regularity  of  ordinary  scientific 
treatment,  we  must  adopt  the  same 
careful  system  of  prescribing  :  we  must 
abandon  the  happy-go-lucky  empiricism 
of  sending  patients  to  springs,  of 
whose  constituents  and  mode  of  action 
we  know  little,  simply  because  others 
are  said  to  have  been  cured  of  like- 
named  ailments — but  of  what  type-  or 
special  characteristics  we  know  noth- 
ing; and  finally,  we  must  fully  recog- 
nize this  fundamental  principle  of 
rational  hydro-therapeutics  :  that,  in 
their  most  precious  capacity,  mineral 
waters  seldom  act  directly  as  specifics 
for  disease,  but  rather  as  correctives 
of  the  constitutional  conditions,  which 
give  rise  to  and  maintain  it ;  and,  con- 


ME TABOLISM  AND  ALTERA  TIVES,        8 1 

sequently,  although  the  good  effects 
may  not  be  immediately  evident,  they 
are  reliable ;  and  will  be  found  more 
permanent  than  those  obtainable  by 
other  means. 

Indeed,  in  many  cases,  the  benefit 
experienced  from  a  course  of  mineral 
water  is  more  marked  after,  than  dur- 
ing, the  treatment,  although  none  the 
less  attributable  to  it.  And  this  is  why 
many  of  the  same  persons  year  after 
year  visit  Saratoga,  not  so  much  at- 
tracted by  its  gaieties  and  pleasant  life, 
or  even  the  prospect  of  immediate  re- 
lief, as  to  obtain  a  fresh  supply  of 
health,  sufficient  to  last  them  over 
another  year. 

It  naturally  follows,  that  just  In  pro- 
portion as  we  recognize  the  remedial 
value  of  these  waters,  we  must  regard 


82         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

them  as  medicaments,  not  to  be  indulged 
in  as  an  ordinary  beverage,  or  without 
considering  their  therapeutic  effects,  and 
the  requirements  of  the  individual  con- 
stitution. There  can  be  no  doubt  that 
reckless  or  ill-advised  potation  of  the 
stronger  waters  has  led  to  unpleasant 
consequences  ;  and  subsequently,  to  un- 
just condemnation  of  the  springs,  by 
persons  who  should  rather  have 
blamed  their  own  stupidity.  Ev^n 
the  delicious  milder  waters,  although 
scarcely  capable  of  serious  harm, 
under  ordinary  conditions,  are  so 
well  equipped  with  gas  and  minerals, 
that  they  should  not  be  partaken  of 
without  reference  to  the  state  of  diges- 
tion, and  other  circumstances.  The 
hospitable  friend,  who  at  the  cost  of 
five  cents,  would  insist  upon  treating 


ME  TABOLISM  A ND  AL  TERA  Tl  VES.        83 

you  to  a  glass  of  Vichy,  is  asking  you 
to  consume  close  upon  fifteen  grains  of 
alkaline  bicarbonates ;  which  may  be 
precisely  what  you  need  to  correct  the 
hyper-agidity  of  your  stomach ;  but,  if 
the  circumstances  are  otherwise,  he 
might,  with  at  least  equal  propriety,  in- 
vite you  to  a  quinine  pill  at  the  drug 
store,  or  to  name  your  choice  refresh- 
ment elsewhere. 

The  special  conditions  of  ill-health 
to  which  the  Saratoga  waters  are 
scientifically  applicable  in  accordance 
with  the  analyses,  or,  in  which  the 
happy  experience  of  thousands  has  ac- 
corded to  them  a  well  merited  reputa- 
tion, will  be  more  fully  discussed  in  a 
subsequent  chapter ;  where,  will  also 
be  found  some  instruction  in  the  best 
method  of  using  them,  and  the  auxiliary 


84         HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

conditions  most  favorable  to  a  success- 
ful Issue. 

Meantime,  It  Is  desirable  that  the 
reader  should  understand  something  of 
the  physiology  and  therapeutic  Influ- 
ence of  mineral  baths,  which  In  many 
ailments  are  scarcely  less  Important 
than  the  drinking  of  mineral  water, 
and  for  the  use  of  which  there  are  ex- 
cellent opportunities  at  Saratoga. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

BALNEOLOGY,    OR     THE     SCIENCE     OF 
BATHING. 

The  use  of  mineral  baths  forms  an 
important,  although  much  neglected, 
branch  of  hydrotherapy.  In  no  other 
part  of  our  subject  does  so  much  uncer- 
tainty and  contradiction  prevail ;  or,  Is 
it  so  often  difficult,  even  for  those  thor- 
oughly well-informed,  to  reconcile  the 
clinical  results  empirically  obtained, 
with  any  rational  theory  of  physiology 
or  animal  chemistry. 

In  all  ages  baths  have  been  esteemed 
as  valuable  in  promoting  health  and 
combating  disease  ;  but,  until  compara- 
tively recently,  there  has  been  scarce  an 

85 


86         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

effort  on  the  part  of  physiologists  to 
explain  their  beneficial  effects,  or  dem- 
onstrate the  method  of  their  action  ; 
and,  even  among  physicians,  there  still 
obtains  a  wide  ignorance  of  the  tech- 
nique of  scientific  bathing. 

First,  a  word  upon  the  conditions 
common  to  bathing  generally,  whether 
with  ordinary  or  mineral  water.  Aside 
from  the  special  advantages  of  cleanli- 
ness— which,  naturally  are  of  the  first 
moment,  since  the  skin  is  one  of  the 
most  important,  and  probably  the  most 
diversely  functioned  of  human  organs, 
and  a  healthy  skin  is  impossible  with- 
out cleanliness — baths  may  for  practical 
purposes  be  divided  now,  as  they  were 
by  Hippocrates,  into  two  classes:  (i) 
Tonic  or  Sttmulattng  Balks — consisting 
of    cold  water,   or  warm  water  quickly 


THE   SCIENCF  OF  BATHING.  87 


followed  by  cold,  and  taken  either  as 
the  full  bath,  plunge,  douche,  shower, 
sponge,  or  needle  bath  ;  and  (2)  Seda- 
tive Baths — of  lukewarm,  tepid,  or  hot 
water,  vapor,  or  air ;  and  taken  in 
the  ordinary  bath  tub,  or  sitz  bath, 
or  as  Russian  or  Turkish  baths,  or 
as  sprays,  jets,  the  wet  pack,  or  hot 
compress. 

The  conclusions  of  recent  investiga- 
tors* may  be  somewhat  tersely  sum- 
marized as  follows  :  The  primary  ef- 
fects of  a  cold  bath,  no  matter  how 
administered — or,  indeed,  of  cold  in 
any  form  applied  to  the  surface  of  the 
body — are  to  induce  contraction  of  the 
external  blood  vessels,  to  accelerate  the 

*Liebermeister  of  Basel,  Rohrig,  Zuntz,  Colasanti, 
Finkler,  Voit,  Rembold,  Winternitz,  Delmas  Saint- 
Hilaire,  Jiirgensen,  Bartels,  Pfluger,  Thompson,  Braun, 
and  others. 


88        H YDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARATOGA. 

pulse  and  rate  of  respiration,  to  in- 
crease the  secretion  of  urine,  the  excre- 
tion of  carbonic  acid,  the  consumption 
of  oxygen,  accompanied  by  augmented 
tissue  metamorphosis — the  decomposi- 
tion of  non-nitrogenous  matter,  and 
the  conversion  of  fats ;  and,  lastly,  to 
heighten  the  external  expenditure  and 
internal  production  of  heat. 

The  increased  elimination  of  carbonic 
acid  is  very  large,  sometimes  as  much 
as  four  or  fiv^  hundred  per  cent.  ;  *  and, 
although  the  loss  of  heat  usually  ex- 
ceeds its  increased  production,  so  that 
the  mean  result  is  a  lowering  of  bodily 
temperature,  an  exception  may  occur 
when  the  cold  applied  is  very  intense — 
thus  stimulating  actively  the  heat-pro- 
ducing function — but  of  such  momen- 

*  Braun. 


THE  SCIENCE   OP  BATHING.  89 

tary   duration,    that    little   pre-existing 
heat  is  abstracted. 

Under  ordinary  circumstances,  the 
measure  of  these  effects  is  in  direct  pro- 
portion to  the  degree  of  refrigeration — 
which  may  be  regarded  as  the  index  of 
peripheral  irritation — but  inversely  to 
its  duration.  In  most  cases,  however, 
reaction  soon  takes  place,  a  new  set  of 
phenomena  of  precisely  opposite  char- 
acter are  manifested,  and  before  long 
the  opposing  conditions  have  equalized 
one  another,  and  systemic  equilibrium 
is  restored.  But,  if  the  cold  is  so  in- 
tense that  the  initial  stimulus  merges 
at  once  into  depressing  shock,  or  so 
prolonged  that  the  aggregate  temper- 
ature of  the  bather  is  considerably  re- 
duced, then  the  effects  are  precisely 
contrary  to  those  just  described,  and  in 


90        HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

addition,  there  occurs  increased  decom- 
position of  azotized  substances,  and  ex- 
cretion of  urea. 

Experiments  in  the  physiology  of 
tepid  and  warm  baths  give  less  notable 
results.  In  the  warm  bath,  of  ordinary 
temperatures,  the  primary  changes  are 
not  so  marked  as  in  cold  bathing,  and  are 
naturally  of  opposite  character.  When, 
however,  the  bath — whether  of  air, 
vapor,  or  water— is  extremely  hot,  or  so 
long  continued  that  the  internal  tem- 
perature of  the  body  is  materially 
raised,  the  phenomena  presented  re- 
semble in  many  respects  those  noted  in 
the  early  stage  of  moderate  cold  bath- 
ing ;  but,  instead  of  rapidly  reacting, 
these  increase  in  proportion  to  the  du- 
ration and  intensity  of  the  bath. 

This  curious  similarity  of  the  primary 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  9 1 

changes  in  the  temperate  cold  bath,  to 
the  secondary  ones  of  the  extreme  hot 
bath — the  difference  lying  in  the  sub- 
sequent appearance  or  non-appearance 
of  reaction — renders  the  physiology  of 
balneo-therapeutics  somewhat  compli- 
cated ;  but  readily  emphasizes  the  fact 
that  considerable  intelligence  must  be 
exercised  in  the  choice  and  direction  of 
baths,  in  order  to  obtain,  in  every  case, 
the  desired  result. 

Under  suitable  conditions,  and  prop- 
erly applied,  the  constitutional  effect  of 
a  cold  bath  is  exhilarating,  and  unques- 
tionably beneficial.  There  is  a  pecu- 
liar and  delicious  sense  of  invigoration, 
and  Increased  muscular  force ;  which 
latter  Is  especially  Interesting,  as  it  has 
been  shown  that  the  reflex  tissue 
changes  take  place  very  largely  in  the 


92         H YDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

muscles.*  The  mind  Is  also  refreshed. 
There  is  a  feeling  of  buoyancy,  and 
readiness  to  undertake  exertion,  psy- 
chical as  well  as  physical ;  and  although, 
as  has  been  said,  the  aggregate  temper- 
ature of  the  body  is  usually  lowered,f 
in  consequence  of  the  loss  of  heat  dur- 
ing the  bath  exceeding  its  increased 
production,  yet,  there  is  experienced 
a  pleasant  sensation  of  expansive 
warmth — the  manifestation  of  physi- 
ological reaction  from  the  stimulus  of 
cold. 

Except  in  the  treatment  of  fever — a 
discussion  of  which  would  lead  beyond 
the  scope  of  this  work  % — when  it 
may    be    desired    to     reduce    perma- 

*  Bell,  Jour.  Bal.  and  Diet. 
t  Braun,  tran.  Herman  Weber. 
X  Currie,  Brand,  Ziemssen,  Winternitz,  J.  C.  Wilson, 
and  others. 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  93 


nently  an  abnormal  pyrexia,  the  sub- 
stantial benefit  of  the  cold  bath  lies, 
not  so  much,  in  the  immediate  physi- 
ological effects,  which  are  exceedingly 
transient  in  character,  as  in  the  vigor 
and  persistency  of  the  reaction. 

This,  when  practiced  regularly,  affords 
to  the  blood  vessels,  and  the  great  sys- 
tem of  sympathetic  nerves  which  con- 
trol them,  a  kind  of  calisthenic  exercise, 
eminently  salutary  ;  and  prophylactic 
against  dangerous  congestions  of  mu- 
cous membranes  or  internal  organs. 
It  stimulates  and  strengthens  the  heart,* 
lungs,  nerve-centers,  and  musular  sys- 
tem. It  improves  the  appetite,  aug- 
ments the  functions  of  the  skin,  kidneys, 
and  liver;  and  by  the  elimination  of 
carbonic  acid,  and  the  effete   products 

*  Winternitz. 


94        HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

of    tissue    combustion,    improves    the 
quality  of  the  blood. 

But  like  all  remedies  potent  for  good, 
the  cold  bath  is  not  without  danger 
when  unwisely  handled.  When  from 
any  cause,  whether  general  debility  or 
disease  of  internal  viscera,  the  system 
is  incapable  of  rapid  and  effective  re- 
sponse, cold  in  any  form  is  hazardous. 
Cold  baths  are  contra-indicated  in  al- 
most every  form  of  advanced  organic 
disease,  especially  of  the  blood  vessels, 
heart,  kidneys,  liver,  or  spleen  ;  except, 
perhaps,  when  many  years  of  favorable 
experience  may  justify  their  contin- 
uance, but  even  then,  it  should  be  in 
modified  form,  and  with  great  caution. 
Those  unaccustomed  to  cold  baths,  and 
old  persons  in  whom  the  arteries  are 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  95 


liable  to  be  weakened,  should  never 
commence  their  use  without  competent 
advice. 

As  a  matter  of  fact,  cerebral  apo- 
plexy, congestion  of  the  lungs,  and  sim- 
ilar dangers,  so  dreaded  by  those  un- 
familiar with  the  subject,  are  rarely 
observed  ;  but,  occasionally,  reaction  is 
exceedingly  difficult  to  establish — most 
frequently  when  the  bath  has  been  over- 
prolonged — ^and,  imprudent  bathers  may 
remain  for  hours  in  a  state  of  alarming 
depression,  the  result  of  primary  shock, 
or  too  protracted  cooling.  The  colds 
of  everyday  life  are  more  likely  to 
arise  from  a  passing  draught  of  air,  ac- 
cidentally wet  feet,  or  some  like  appar- 
ently trivial  cause,  than  from  the  most 
extreme  hydriatic  procedures :  a  cir- 
cumstance  explained    by    Braun,   ''be- 


96         HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

cause,  most  colds  arise  from  cold  locally 
applied,  and  the  more  locally  limited  is 
the  refrigeration  of  the  skin,  the  less  is 
the  general  production  of  heat  and  re- 
action." Indeed,  it  may  be  stated,  that 
regular  cold  bathing,  by  educating  the 
peripheral  nerves  and  vaso-motor  sys- 
tem to  withstand  temperature  changes, 
is  the  very  best  preventative  against  the 
ordinary  catarrhs  of  our  trying  climate. 
To  advocate  a  therapeutic  measure, 
and  then  so  limit  its  applicability  as  to 
exclude  almost  every  condition  of  dis- 
ease, may  appear  paradoxical;  but  such 
would  be  the  fate  of  any  other  remedy, 
no  matter  how  valuable,  if  considered  in- 
dividually, in  reference  to  an  equally 
wide  range  of  maladies.  It  should  be 
easily  understood,  from  the  foregoing 
synopsis  of  the  physiology  of  the  cold 


THE   SCIENCE    OF  BATHING.  97 


bath,  that,  as  its  modus  operandi  in 
strengthening  and  curing  is  to  stimu- 
late and  intensify  vital  functions,  a  cer- 
tain textural  integrity  of  the  organs, 
responsible  for  those  functions,  is  essen- 
tial to  a  satisfactory  result.  It  follows, 
and  experience  amply  demonstrates, 
that  in  the  chronic  diatheses,  such  as 
gout,  rheumatism,  or  scrofula,  in  the 
earlier  manifestations  of  tubercle,  and 
other  conditions  dependent  largely 
upon  disordered  function  and  defects 
of  nutrition,  cold  baths  are  capable  of 
immeasurable  good. 

Mineral  Baths. — The  previous  re- 
marks, and  those  to  follow  upon  the 
techfiique  of  balneology,  apply,  almost 
equally,  to  bathing  with  ordinary  as 
with  mineral  water. 

Now,  to  determine  the  reason  of  the 


98         H  YDRO  THERA  FY  AT  SA  RA  TOGA . 

unquestionably  greater  curative  efficacy 
of  the  latter. 

Theoretically  it  rests  upon  credence 
in  the  capability  of  the  cutaneous  sur- 
face to  absorb  salts  and  eases — a  doc- 
trine  unreservedly  accepted  in  the  past, 
and  abundantly  proven  of  salts,  when 
applied  as  unguents  or  liniments.  It 
gives  a  comprehensible  explanation  of 
the  best  results  observed,  and,  there- 
fore, has  been  loudly  advocated  by 
those  financially  interested  in  mineral 
springs.  Nevertheless,  experiment,  al- 
though proving  the  absorption  of 
gases,"^  throws  grave  doubt  upon  the 
possibility  of  any  tangible  amount  of 
mineral  matter  beine  taken  into  the 
system    in    this   way.f     On    the  other 

*  Martigny,  Lebkiichner,  Krause,  Gerlach,  Braun, 
etc.  . 
t  KleUinski,  Lehmann,  Herbert, 


THE  SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  99 

hand,  we  have  the  accumulated  evi- 
dence of  all  times,  that  baths  of  certain 
mineral  impregnation  have  a  curative 
potency,  distinct  from  and  beyond,  the 
effects  of  simple  water  ;  and  not  explain- 
able as  cutaneous  stimulation  alone — 
although,  no  doubt,  an  important 
factor.*  Braun  remarks:  ''The  ques- 
tion of  absorption  remains  an  open  one, 
and  the  one  fact  ajone  seems  to  be 
satisfactorily  proved,  that  absorption,  If 
it  does  take  place  In  the  bath,  can  only 
be  small  In  amount."  It  Is  worthy  of 
consideration,  however,  that  no  matter 
how  minute  may  be  the  quantity  of 
saline  matter  absorbed  by  the  skin, 
such  as  it  is,  It  passes  directly  and  un- 
changed. Into  the  circulation  ;  and  thus 
may  induce  therapeutic  results  entirely 

*  Rohrig,  Zuntz. 


lOO      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

out  of  proportion  to  the  same,  or  many 
times  a  greater,  quantity  taken  by  the 
stomach.  Unquestionably,  too,  the  bi- 
carbonate of  soda,  and  other  alka- 
lies, produce  a  salutary,  softening  in- 
fluence upon  the  skin,  probably  by 
chemical  solution  of  its  secretions  and 
the  scales  of  the  epidermis ;  thus, 
augmenting  in  a  high  degree  the 
healthful  function^  of  that  important 
organ. 

The  ocean  itself  is  a  great  reservoir 
of  mineral  water,  and,  except  in  lack- 
ing gaseous  impregnation,  is  by  no 
means  dissimilar  to  the  stronger  saline 
waters  of  Saratoga,  or  the  world-famed 
sool  baths  of  Europe  ;  yet,  who  will 
combat  the  universal  belief  that  sea- 
bathing possesses  virtues  unequaled 
by   fresh    water,  or   the    time-honored 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  loi 


tradition  that  ''a  wetting  by  sea  water 
does  not  give  cold." 

The  Hygienic  Cold  Bath. — A  morn- 
ing plunge  in  the  ordinary  bath-tub,  or 
the  shower,  or  English  sponge  bath, 
are  the  best  methods  of  regular  hy- 
gienic bathing.  A  rational  tempera- 
ture ranges  from  75°  or  80°  F.,  down 
to  45°  F.  ;  but  a  bath  of  about  60°  F. 
will  usually  give  the  most  salutary  re- 
sult to  the  averaore  constitution.  Ex- 
ceptionally  robust  individuals,  com- 
monly those  accustomed  to  active 
country  life,  may  habituate  themselves, 
without  detriment — so  long  as  they  re- 
main organically  sound — to  very  much 
lower    temperatures.'^     There    can    be 

*  Recently  a  medical  writer  described  his  personal 
experience  of  twelve  years  with  cold  river  baths  in 
winter.  The  bath  was  taken  between  six  and  seven 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  even  when  the  thermom- 


102      HYDROTHERAPY  AT  SARATOGA. 

no  doubt,  however,  that  the  unaccus- 
tomed, and  ill-advised,  use  of  exces- 
sively cold  water  is  capable  of  serious 
injury ;  and  has  done  much  to  mar  the 
popularity  of  cold  bathing,  and  foster 
deep-rooted  prejudice  against  its  rea- 
sonable employment. 

The  most  assured  results  will  be 
obtained  by  moderation  ;  and,  there 
being  no  certain  guide,  beyond  ex- 
perience, to  the  reactive  capacity  of  ap 
individual,  it  is  wise  to  commence  with 
milder   hydriatic    methods,    such    as   a 

eter  was  as  low  as  io°  F.  On  windy  days  he  was 
able  to  dispense  with  a  towel,  and  dry  himself  by 
walking  up  and  down  in  the  breeze.  This  apparently 
suicidal  procedure  produced  in  him  an  agreeable 
effect. — Ny,  Medicinische  Monatschriff,  July,  1891. 
But  doctors  differ  :  not  long  since  a  physician  of  Iowa 
remarked  at  a  scientific  meeting,  "  that  the  people  of 
his  State  bathe  but  once  a  year,  and  yet  they  have  a 
minimum  death  rate!" — The  Post  Graduate  N.-Y, 
Medical  Record,  March  5i  1892. 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  103 

shower  or  sponge  bath  at  a  tempera- 
ture not  lower  than  80°  F.,  and  then 
proceed  gradually — sometimes  after  an 
interval  of  several  days — to  the  more 
severe. 

Mineral  water,  on  account  of  its  ex- 
tra stimulating  qualities,  may  be  used 
colder  than  plain  water  ;  and  the 
shower,  rain,  or  sitz  bath,  than  when 
the  entire  body  is  immersed. 

The  period  of  immersion  should  sel- 
dom exceed  two  minutes  ;  and  usually 
the  fullest  benefit  may  be  derived  in 
less  than  one-half  that  time.  It  is  a 
good  method  for  those  in  average 
health  to  stand  up  in  the  bath  after  the 
the  first  fifteen  or  twenty  seconds'  im- 
mersion— rub  the  body  briskly,  soap 
being  used  if  desired,  ai^d  the  nature 
of  the  water  permits  it — and  then  take 


i 04      H YDRO THERA PY  AT  SARATOGA. 

another  plunge,  with  continued  active 
rubbing  under  water.  Thus  is  obtained 
the  benefit  of  a  second  reaction,  to- 
gether with  thorough  cleansing  of  the 
skin. 

It  is  important  that  all  forms  of  cold 
bath  should  be  taken  in  a  moderately 
warm  and  well-ventilated  room  ;  and 
immediately  followed  by  brisk  friction 
with  a  rough  towel  or  flesh  brush.  The 
skin  and  nails  should  show  a  reddish 
tint :  any  bluish  or  mottled  appearance 
indicates  that  the  reactive  powers  have 
been  overtaxed,  and  consequently  the 
bath  injurious. 

The  custom  of  returning  to  a  warm 
bed  after  a  cold  bath,  recommended  at 
some    German    Spas,*  seems   justified 

*Teplitz,  Ragatz,Wildbad,  W^armbrunn, Wiesbaden, 
and  others. 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  1 05 

by  no  sound  reason.  For  the  healthy 
fresh  air,  exercise,  and  a  good  breakfast 
would  be  more  salutary ;  and,  when 
the  object  Is  to  promote  perspiration, 
this  can  be  better  attained  by  a  hot 
vapor  bath  or  wet  pack. 

A  cold  bath  should  never  be  taken 
after  a  heavy  meal,  but  a  cup  of  coffee 
or  other  light  refreshment  before  the 
morning  bath  is,  for  delicate  persons, 
by  no  means  undesirable.  A  cold  bath 
is  also  contra-indicated  in  excessive 
fatigue,  or  when  the  body  is  perspiring, 
or  is  chilled,  or  exhausted  from  any 
cause.  After  violent  exercise  it  is 
prudent  to  rest  for  half  an  hour,  or 
first  take  a  warm  bath,  which  produces 
much  the  same  effect,  before  shocking 
the  system  with  cold. 

When  only  one  bath   is  taken   each 


Io6       HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

day — and  this  is  usually  sufficient,  ex- 
cept under  special  advice,  as  treatment 
for  definite  disease — the  morning,  im- 
mediately after  rising,  is  decidedly  the 
best  time :  not  only,  because  it  is  usually 
the  most  convenient,  and  the  system  is 
rested  and  ready  for  reactionary  gym- 
nastics, but  also,  because  it  is  the  time 
of  the  twenty-four  hours  (between  7 
A.  M.  and  noon)  when  the  natural  heat 
of  the  body  is  approaching  its  maxi- 
mum point.  If  a  second  cold  bath  is 
indicated,  it  should  be  taken  from  one 
to  two  hours  before  dinner,  so  as  to  al- 
low at  least  half  an  hour  for  absolute 
repose.  If  taken  late  at  night  the  re- 
action may  interfere  with  sleep,  al- 
though, as  will  be  seen  later,  the  tran- 
qullizing  effect  of  the  lukewarm  bath 
or  wet  pack  tend  to  promote  it. 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  107 

It  is  a  common  error  to  suppose  that 
only  persons  of  active  habits  and  ro- 
bust constitution  may  advantageously 
use  the  cold  bath.  On  the  contrary, 
those  who  are  by  nature  feeble,  or  per- 
sons obliged  to  lead  an  enervating,  sed- 
entary life,  derive  even  greater  benefit 
from  its  judicious  employment.  To 
such,  it  is  the  very  best  general  tonic, 
substitute  for  exercise,  conservator  of 
health,  and  prophylactic  against  the 
diseases  to  which  they  are  especially 
liable  ;  but  naturally,  in  these  cases, 
extra  care  must  be  exercised  in  matters 
of  technique  ;  and  it  should  be  borne 
in  mind,  that,  as  in  all  applications  of 
heat  and  cold,  absolutely  contradic- 
tory results  are  apt  to  follow  ap- 
parently similar  procedures  ;  the  effect 
not  desired   may  ensue    from    neglect 


io8      HYDROTHERAPY  AT  SARATOGA. 

of  some  seemingly  unimportant  de- 
tail. 

The  Hot  Bath. — Little  need  be 
said  of  the  positively  hot  bath  ;  by 
which  is  meant  submersion,  for  an  ap- 
preciable time,  in  water  at  a  tempera- 
ture of  from  105°  to  120°  F. 

Unless  extreme  in  heat,  and  conse- 
quently injurious,  the  physiological 
effects  of  such  a  bath,  are  of  slight 
consequence  to  those  in  health ;  and 
only  in  some  forms  of  rheumatism, 
and  rare  emergencies — such  as  the 
passage  of  a  calculus,  irreducible  her- 
nia, retention  of  urine,  or  when  it  is 
urgently  desired  to  draw  blood  to  the 
surface,  in  order  to  relieve  sudden  con- 
gestion of  internal  organs — are  they 
of  remedial  importance  in  disease. 
Besides  the  extremely  hot  bath  is  famil- 
iar, and  already  too  popular,  in  many 


THE  SCIENCE  OF  BATHING.  109 

households  ;  and  even  when  used  by  the 
heahhy,  for  purposes  of  cleanHness, 
claims  rather  a  word  of  caution  than  of 
advocacy.  While  cold  bathing  is,  as  a 
general  experience,  more  appreciated 
by  men  than  by  women,  the  habitual 
use  of  very  hot  baths  is  frequent  among 
ladies  ;  and,  unless  followed  by  a  cool 
douche  or  shower,  which  is  seldom  the 
case,  is  decidedly  injurious — debilitating 
to  the  nervous  system,  relaxing  to  the 
muscles,  and  subversive  of  graceful  con- 
tour. 

On  the  contrary,  the  warm  bath  (from 
95°  to  102°  F.),  in  every  form,  has  a 
wide  range  of  therapeutic  usefulness  ; 
and,  paradoxical  as  it  may  seem,  is 
often  applicable  to  the  same  class  of 
cases  for  which  cold  bathing  has  already 
been  recommended. 

The    fundamental    purport    of   both 


no      H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

cold  and  warm  bathing  is  the  same — 
i.  e.,  to  promote  function.  Cold  accom- 
pHshes  this  end  by  stimulating  latent 
force  into  activity ;  warmth,  by  physi- 
cally facilitating  the  defective  perform- 
ance of  organic  life,  Cold  contracts 
peripheral  blood  vessels,  increasing  ar- 
terial tension,  but,  as  a  secondary  effect, 
expands  them  ;  warmth  relaxes  at  once. 
Baruch^  remarks,  that,  "by  means  of 
hydrotherapy  we  may  exercise  perfect 
control  of  the  pressure  and  distribu- 
tion of  the  blood."  True,  in  a  great 
measure  :  but,  at  times,  it  is  no  simple 
task  to  elect  the  method  most  likely  to 
give  the  result  desired.  As,  in  localized 
inflammations,  one  may  hesitate  be- 
tween the  ice-bag  and  the  more  con- 
servative system   of  hot  fomentations 

*  "  Syst.  Pract.  Therapeutics." — Hare, 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING..  m 

and  poultices  ;  so,  under  some  circum- 
stances, it  needs  an  educated  judgment 
to  determine  whether  a  given  constitu- 
tion possesses  sufficient  reserve  vitality 
to  profit  by  a  refrigeration,  demanding 
strong  reaction,  or,  whether  it  is  wiser 
to  rest  content  with  making  easier  the 
imperfect  efforts  of  nature,  by  the  im- 
mediate application  of  warmth. 

The  salutary  administration  of  cold 
presupposes  sufficient  structural  integ- 
rity of  viscerae  to  insure  benefit  from 
rapid  changes  of  vascularity,  and  suffi- 
cient capacity  for  internal  heat-produc- 
tion to  compensate  for  the  pre-existing 
heat  abstracted  in  the  batR.  Warmth, 
on  the  other  hand,  makes  no  such  de- 
mand. It  takes  nothing  from  the  or- 
ganic force  inherent  to  the  individual, 
and,  at  the  same  time,  although  in  a 


112      H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

lesser  degree,  serves  the  same  thera- 
peutic purpose.  For  this  reason,  it  is 
suitable  to  the  majority  of  persons  who 
seek  professional  advice,  and  to  whom 
cold  bathing  would  be  contra-indicated 
by  some  of  the  conditions  already 
stated. 

Warm  Mineral  Baths. — No  thermal 
springs  have  yet  been  discovered  in 
this  section  of  the  country — the  high- 
est natural  temperature  in  New  York 
State  being  75°  F.,  at  Lebanon.*  They 
abound,  however,  in  the  Western  States 
and  other  parts  of  the  world ;  notably 
on  the  continent  of  Europe,  where  they 
-are  much  esfeemed  in  the  treatment  of 
chronic  gout,  rheumatism,  scrofula,  skin 
diseases,  and  a  variety  of  other  com- 
plaints ;  but,  the  technique  usually 
*  Peale,  United  States  Geographical  Survey. 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  1 13 

occupies  more  time  than  even  the 
average  health-seeking  American  would 
be  willing  to  expend  ;  and,  in  many 
places,  leads  to  social  institutions  not 
likely  to  become  fashionable  here. 
For  instance,  at  Leukerbad,  ''  gentle- 
men and  ladies  bathe  together  in  reser- 
voirs adapted  for  about  twenty  persons, 
beguiling  the  time  with  conversation, 
reading,  taking  luncheon,  and  playing 
dominoes  on  floating  boards.  The 
bathers,  attired  in  woolen  mantles  and 
capes,  in  this  manner  avoid  the  ennui 
otherwise  unavoidable."* 

The  Saratoga  waters  are  naturally 
cold  (from  40°  to  52°  F.)  ;  but  may  be 
heated  to  any  point  desired  with  practi- 
cally no  change  in  mineralization,  and 
a  loss  of  gas  so  insignificant  that,  even 

*  Braun. 


1 14      HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

after  the  heating  process,  these  waters 
still  contain  about  double  as  much  as 
the  most  celebrated  thermal  baths  of 
Europe.  The  Schwartz  system  of 
bath-tub,  extensively  used  at  foreign 
resorts  with  the  view  of  lessening  the 
escape  of  gas  during  the  heating  of 
naturally  cool  water,  is  therefore 
unnecessary  here  ;  and,  as  the  notion  of 
''  a  telluric,  or  electro-volcanic "  heat, 
with  specific  properties  dissimilar  from 
those  of  ordinary  heat,  exists  only  in 
the  imagination  and  parlance  of  the 
spa  charletan,  it  is  ridiculous  to 
assert,  that  the  heating  of  these  waters, 
being  artificial,  detracts  in  any  respect 
from  their  remedial  potency,  as  com- 
pared with  naturally  hot  baths. 

Indeed,  the  Saratoga  waters  are  so 
highly  saturated  with  gas,  that,  under 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  115 

some  circumstances,  its  excess  may 
become  an  element  of  daneer.  Car- 
bonic  acid,  when  taken  in  the  stomach, 
or  absorbed  through  the  skin,  is  usually 
an  exceedingly  valuable  stimulant,  but 
when  respired  by  the  lungs  it  is  always 
injurious — causing  difficulty  of  breath- 
ing, dizziness,  cardiac  oppression,  and 
ultimately  asphyxia.  The  heating  of 
the  bath  favors  its  escape,  as  also  do 
the  movements  of  the  submereed 
body  ;  and  refreshing  as  it  may  seem 
to  agitate  the  sparkling  water,  and 
watch  the  brioht  bubbles  risine  to  the 
surface,  it  must  be  remembered  that 
when  they  pass  off  into  the  atmos- 
phere, and  are  inhaled  by  the  lungs, 
the  injurious  results  will  go  far  to 
counterbalance  the  beneficial  stimula- 
tion   of    the    cutaneous    surface.       It 


1 1 6      H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

is,  therefore,  desirable  that  the  bath 
should  be  well  stirred  up,  or 
allowed  to  stand  for  a  period  before 
use,  so  as  to  permit  a  moderate  loss  of 
gas ;  or,  better  still,  that  the  bather 
should  remain  quiet  during  immersion, 
in  order  that  the  carbonic  acid  may  be 
absorbed,  and  act  freely  upon  the  peri- 
pheral nerve  filaments,  without  largely 
vitiating  the  respired  air.  Baths  of 
carbonic  acid  gas  are  given  at  Rehme, 
Franzensbad,  Marienbad,  Kissengen, 
and  other  places.  The  body  is  in- 
closed in  a  reservoir  filled  with  gas,  the 
head  only  being  excluded.  Such  baths 
could  just  as  easily  be  administered  at 
Saratoga,  but  are  of  no  special  value. 

In  point  of  mineralization,  the  waters 
of  Saratoga  are  very  similar  in  constitu- 
ents, and  usually  quite  equal  in  strength, 


'THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  I17 

to  many  of  the  most  celebrated  natural 
sool  baths  of  Europe.*  They  contain 
over  one  per  cent,  of  chloride  salts, 
which  is  double  as  much  as  many  of 
high  repute  abroad,  and  amply  sufficient 
for  most  general  purposes.  But  if,  as  in 
certain  cases  of  unusually  torpid  skin, 
scrofulous  or  rheumatic  exudations,  or 
similar  conditions,  a  stronger  solution 
is  desired,  there  is  no  reason  why  the 
bath  should  not  be  artificially  strength- 
ened at  Saratoga,  as  is  customary  at 
Baden-Baden,  Kreuznach,  Rehme,  El- 
men,  Arnstadt,  Wittekind,  Pyrmon, 
Cannstadt,  and  other  famous  watering 
places  abroad.  This  may  be  done,  up 
to  three  or  four  per  cent,  with  common 
salt,  or  the  combination  of  salts  natural 

♦Kreuznach,   Aix-la-Chapelle,   Spa,  Baden-Baden, 
Wiesbaden,  Soden,  Kissengen,  Hall,  Homburg,  etc. 


.  1 1 8      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

to  the  waters  obtained  by  evaporation, 
or,  what  is  known  at  European  Spas  as 
"Mother-lye"  (Mutter  lauge),  that  is, 
a  highly  concentrated  solution  of  the 
chloride  salts,  from  which  much  of  the 
chloride  of  sodium  has  been  removed 
for  commercial  purposes. 

Warm  baths  of  the  natural  Saratoga 
waters  are  beneficial  in  a  wide  range  of 
chronic  diseases.  Almost  equally  with 
cold  baths  they  stimulate  all  the  func- 
tions— increasing  the  appetite,  improv- 
ing digestion,  and  facilitating  the  elim- 
ination of  effete  or  morbid  material 
through  the  lungs,  skin,  and  kidneys. 
But,  as  has  already  been  stated,  it  is 
impossible  to  do  more  than  generalize 
in  matters  of  technique,  which  may  be 
indefinitely  modified,  and  adapted  to 
the   powers    and    requirements    of  the 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.      »    119 

individual  constitution.  The  tempera- 
ture, strength,  duration,  and  frequency 
of  the  baths,  and  the  length  of  time  it 
is  wise  to  continue  a  course  without  in- 
terruption, are  all  points  which  must  be 
determined  separately  for  each  particu- 
lar case  ;  and  will  largely  depend,  not 
only  upon  the  nature  of  the  disease, 
and  constitutional  condition  of  the  sick 
person,  but  also  upon  the  effects  first 
produced,  which  should  be  carefully  ob- 
served from  day  to  day. 

From  90°  to  98°  F.  is  usually  warm 
enough  ;  as  on  account  of  the  stimulat- 
ing qualities  of  the  gas  and  minerals, 
which  are  appreciated  by  the  skin  as 
a  kind  of  textural  unctuosity,  these 
waters  can  be  borne  with  comfort  at 
a  much  lower  temperature  and  for  a 
longer  time  than  ordinary  water. 


i20  •  HybROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

The  duration  of  the  bath  cannot  in 
every  instance  be  prescribed  before- 
hand, but  may  range  according  to  the 
circumstances,  and  the  sensations  of  the 
bather,  from  ten  minutes  to  half  an  hour 
or  more.  At  Aix-les-Bains,  Wildbad, 
Gastien,  Rehme,  and  other  European 
bath  resorts,  an  hour  is  the  usual  time  ; 
and  using  a  mild  water,  such  as  the 
Red  Spring,  would  not  be  too  long. 
There  is  no  limit  to  the  duration  of  a 
bath  of  ordinary  warm  water,  so  long 
as  the  temperature  is  maintained  ;  but 
it  should  be  remembered,  that  long  con- 
tinued mineral  baths  might  become  in- 
jurious, not  only  by  too  powerful  •cuta- 
neous stimulation,  but  also  through  the 
amount  of  carbonic  acid  unavoidably 
inspired.  It  is  well  to  commence  a 
course    of    mineral    bathing   somewhat 


THE    SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  l2i 

cautiously,  until  the  effects  have  been 
noted,  especially  in  cases  where  too 
stimulating  an  influence  is  not  desired  : 
say,  a  bath  at  98°  F.,  of  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes,  every  alternate  day,  until 
three  or  four  have  been  taken  ;  and  sub- 
sequently, every  day  for  some  weeks, 
the  temperature  being  gradually  low- 
ered and  the  duration  increased  ;  or,  if 
circumstances  permit,  and  continuous 
betterment  is  experienced,  every  second 
day  throughout  the  entire  season.  As 
a  rule,  the  sensations  in  the  bath  are  ex- 
ceedingly pleasant,  and  independent  of 
benefit  to  any  special  ailment,  the  skin 
becomes  soft  and  white,  and  the  general 
health  is  improved.  To  drink  the 
waters  and  bathe  upon  alternate  days  is 
popular  at  some  foreign  resorts,  and  to 
frail  constitutions  is  often  a   judicious 


1 2  2       HYDRO  THE  RAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

distribution  of  the  influences  of  treat- 
ment. 

Occasionally,  excessive  bathing,  espe- 
cially at  very  high  temperatures,  and 
when  accompanied  by  immoderate 
internal  use  of  the  waters,  gives  rise  to 
a  condition  of  general  constitutional 
disturbance,  with  considerable  fever, 
cardiac  irritability,  and  a  pustular 
eruption  on  the  skin.  This  is  known 
as  bad-strum  at  the  German  spas,  and 
la poussde  at  the  French  ;  and  at  some 
of  the  quack  hydropathic  establish- 
ments is  termed  ''  the  crisis" — and  pre- 
tended to  be  a  necessary  part  of  the 
cure.  In  reality,  it  is  evidence  of 
excessive  and  injudicious  use  of  the 
waters,  and  consequent  hyper-satura- 
tion, and  is  comparable  to  the  ''physio- 
logical," or  semi-toxic,  effects  of  drugs. 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  123 


when  administered  too  largely  or  too 
lono-.  It  seldom  does  much,  harm, 
and  when  the  waters  are  entirely  sus- 
pended passes  off  in  a  few«days.  At 
Saratoga  these  unpleasant  symptoms 
appear  much  less  frequently,  and  with 
less  violence,  than  is  common  at  foreign 
resorts.  As  moderate  exercise  is 
beneficial  after  the  cold  bath,  so  a 
period  of  complete  repose  is  generally 
desirable  after  the  warm. 

The  Douche. — Of  the  many  special 
forms  of  bath  those  most  worthy  of 
consideration,  irrespective  of  the  na- 
ture of  the  water,  are  the  douche,  or 
movable  jet  bath,  and  the  wet  pack. 

The  Douche  may  be  of  any  tempera- 
ture, and  is  usually  applied  with  con- 
siderable force — sometimes  equal  to 
that  of  water  fallinor  from  60  to    100 


124      H YDRO THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

feet.  By  it,  whether  with  hot  or  cold 
water,  there  is  obtained,  in  addition  to 
the  ordinary  effects  of  other  baths,  de- 
pendent mainly  upon  the  nature  and 
temperature  of  the  water,  a  special 
mechanical  quality  in  the  impingement 
of  the  water  against  the  skin,  acting 
as  a  kind  of  hydro  dynamic  massage; 
and,  thus  stimulating  in  a  favorable 
manner  the  peripheral  nerves,  blood 
vessels,  and  subjacent -muscles.  It  is 
valuable  in  many  conditions  of  con- 
stitutional debility,  functional  impo- 
tence, and  chronic  disease ;  more 
particularly,  in  abnormal  states  of  the 
nervous  system.  In  these  cases,  how- 
ever, it  is  open  to  the  objection  that  it 
can  only  be  properly  applied  by  a 
skilled  attendant,  and  might  prove 
dangerous  in  inexperienced  hands.     It 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  125 

may  be  used  colder  than  other  forms 
of  bath,  owing  to  the  force  with  which 
the  water  strikes  the  skin,  but  should 
always  be  of  short  duration.  In 
France,  where  it  is  preferred  to  any 
other  method  of  balneotherapy,  and 
is  extensively  prescribed  by  Charcot, 
Dujardin-Beaumetz,  and  other  noted 
authorities,  it  is  usually  administered 
by  a  physician  under  their  direction. 
At  the  establishment  of  Keller,  the 
patient  of  either  sex  stands  before  the 
operator,  receiving  the  column  of  water 
alternately,  or  as  circumstances  dictate, 
upon  the  spine,  and  anterior  surface 
of  the  body — a  procedure  somewhat 
startling  to  the  Anglo-American  sense 
of  propriety,  and  scarcely  in  accord 
with  our  notions  of  professional  dignity. 
What  is  termed  the  Scotch,  or  mixed 


126      H YDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARATOGA, 

douche — consisting  of  very  hot  and 
very  cold  jets,  repeatedly  alternated — 
is  an  excellent  remedy  for  stiff  joints, 
strumous  or  rheumatic  exudations,  and 
other  local  maladies. 

The  Wet  Pack. — From  a  strictly 
therapeutic  standpoint  the  wet  pack  is 
more  widely  applicable,  and  in  some 
respects  more  valuable,  than  any  other 
form  of  bath.  Its  administration  needs 
no  special  skill,  and  with  a  little  care  is 
entirely  free  from  danger.  It  can  be 
taken  in  one's  own  apartment,  and  when 
mineralized  water  is  used  a  quart 
bottle  will  suffice  for  a  bath. 

The  .method  of  applying  it  is  as  fol- 
lows :  A  couple  of  stout  blankets  are 
spread  upon  the  bed,  then  an  ordinary 
linen  sheet  or  tablecloth,  which  has  been 
wrung  out  of  water  at  a  moderate  tem- 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  127 

perature — say  60^  F. — is  smoothly 
spread  over  them.  The  patient  now 
lies  in  the  center.  The  sheet  is  rapidly 
wrapped  around  him,  one  side  being 
carried  under  the  arms  and  well  be- 
tween the  legs,  while  the  other  is 
brought  outside  the  arms,  and  tucked 
closely  about  the  neck,  thus  enclosing 
the  entire  body,  except  the  head  and 
feet,  and  so,  that  evei*ywhere  the  wet 
sheet  is  in  contact  with  the  skin.  The 
blankets  are  then  rolled  snugly  about 
the  body,  and  if  desired,  more  covering 
may  be  heaped  on  top.  A  hot  water 
bag  to  the  feet,  which  are  best  excluded 
from  the  wet  sheet,  and,  if  found  pleas- 
ant, a  cool  compress  around  the  head 
complete  the  equipment.  The  first 
sensation  is  of  chill,  but  this,  almost 
invariably,  passes   off    in   a   very   few 


128      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

seconds — otherwise  the  pack  must  be 
discontinued — then  the  sheet  feels  com- 
fortably warm,  the  skin  perspires  freely, 
and  there  is  experienced  a  singularly 
tranquilizing,  calmative  effect — easily 
leading  to  sleep. 

Thus  is  obtained  the  benefit  of  a 
slight  tonic  reaction — so  slight,  as  to 
make  no  appreciable  demand  upon  the 
vitality — with  superadded,  a  quieting, 
soothing  effect,  quite  equal  to  that  of 
the  ordinary  warm  bath. 

The  patient  may  remain  in  the  pack 
from  twenty  minutes  to  two  hours,  or 
even  longer,  dependent  upon  the  result 
desired,  and  the  degree  of  comfort 
induced  ;  and  if  disposed  to  sleep,  he 
may  be  allowed  to  do  so  without  detri- 
ment. The  procedure  is  terminated 
by  a  rapid  sponge  over  with  tepid  or 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  129 


cold  water,  in  order  to  counteract  undue 
relaxation  of  the  cutaneous  structures ; 
or,  if  the  patient  is  weary,  a  simple 
drying  with  a  soft  towel  will  suffice  ; 
when  he  will  soon  fall  into  calm  and 
refreshing  sleep. 

The  merits  of  the  wet  pack  deserve 
a  wider  recognition  in  the  medical  pro- 
fession than  accorded  them,  at  present ; 
and  it  is  much  to  be  desired  that  the 
prejudice  against  such  procedures — 
the  popular  hydrophobia  which  so 
hampers  their  employment  in  ordi- 
nary practice — should  be  thoroughly 
uprooted  from  the  public  mind.  Thus, 
might  be  avoided  many  a  dose  of 
harmful  medicine — thus,  many  a  fevered 
skin  ^cooled,  many  an  irritable  spirit 
calmed,  and  many  a  restless  night 
spared, 


13°      HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

From  what  has  been  said  of  its  ef- 
fects, it  would  seem  unnecessary  to 
specify  the  host  of  various  maladies 
in  which  the  wet  pack,  or  some  of  its 
modifications,  are  valuable.  From  the 
earlier  stages  of  pneumonia,  simple 
pyrexia,  and  the  exanthemata,  to 
chronic  rheumatism,  phthisis,  pelvic 
inflammations,  dysmenorrhea,  and  in- 
somnia, it  is  almost  everywhere  suit- 
able, can  scarcely  do  harm,  and  is 
capable  of  immeasurable  good. 

What  is  termed  ''  the  hot  wet  pack  " 
is  an  entirely  different  form  of  treat- 
ment, with  a  much  narrower  applica- 
bility. In  it  is  used,  instead  of  a  sheet 
wet  with  cold  water,  a  blanket  wrung 
out  of  very  hot  water  ;  otherwise,  the 
procedure  is  the  same,  although  the 
effect  is   comparable    rather  to    a    hot 


THE   SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  131 

than  a  warm  bath.  It  may  be  applied 
locally  or  to  the  entire  body,  In  which 
latter  case,  It  acts  as  a  kind  of  universal 
stupe  or  poultice. 

The  ''dripping  sheet,"  and  "sheet 
bath"  differ  slightly  In  technique,  and 
have  each  warm  advocates  among  scien- 
tific hydrlatlsts  ;  but  neither  has  ap- 
peared attractive  to  the  writer. 

Mud  baths,  except  for  dirt-lovers, 
and  sand  baths,  except  for  hydropho- 
bics, possess  no  merits  not  fully 
equaled  by  clean  water. 

Turkish  and  Russian  Baths. — An 
adequate  consideration  of  the  vapor 
and  hot  air,  or  Russian  and  Turkish 
baths,  would  demand  a  chapter  to  Itself ; 
but  Is  clearly  beyond  the  scope  of  this 
work.  Suffice  It  to  say,  that  both 
forms  of  bath  are  luxurious  to  the  high- 


132       HYDROTHERAPY  AT  SARATOGA. 

est  degree;  and  to  constitutions  which 
they  suit,  and  when  properly  carried 
out,  are  often  beneficial  and  refreshing. 
In  a  general  way  they  follow  the  prin- 
ciples governing  other  forms  of  bath  ; 
and  are  curative  in  much  the  same 
range  of  chronic  disease.  In  the  Turk- 
ish or  dry  air  bath,  a  temperature  up 
to  240°  F.  is  easily  borne  for  some  min- 
utes ;  while,  in  the  Russian  or  vapor 
bath,  120°  F.  is  barely  endurable. 

Although  closely  resembling  each 
other  in  man}^  respects,  one  fundamen- 
tal difference  must  be  remembered, 
that,  while  the  Turkish  bath  favors  per- 
spiration more  fully  than  any  other 
hydriatic  method,  the  Russian  bath  ac- 
tually impedes  it.  Both  increase  to  a 
very  marked  degree  the  excretion  of 
urea,    an    effect,    which,    according   to 


THE  SCIENCE   OF  BATHING.  I33 

German  observers,  continues  for  days 
after  the  bath. 

Like  other  applications  of  extreme 
heat,  they  put  considerable  strain  upon 
the  vital  functions,  and  are  at  times 
disturbing  to  nervous  equilibrium. 
Cardiac  action  Is  not  unfrequently  even 
doubled  in  rapidity  during  the  first  ten 
or  fifteen  minutes,  and  the  bodily  tem- 
perature raised  two  or  more  degrees  In 
the  same  time — conditions  usually  ex- 
pressive of  some  morbid  process. 

Aside  from  their  superlative  cleanli- 
ness, the  greatest  merit  of  both  forms 
of  bath  lies  in  the  fact  that  the  extreme 
heat  prepares  so  perfectly  for  the  deli- 
cious cold  douching  to  follow ;  and 
hence,  the  subsequent  feeling  of  invlg- 
oration.  Nevertheless,  they  have  but 
a  limited  applicability,  either  as  a  hy- 


134      H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

gienic  measure,  or  in  the  treatment  of 
disease.  They  should  not  be  indulged 
in  by  the  old,  or  when  there  is  any  sus- 
picion of  organic  disease,  or  indeed,  un- 
der any  circumstances  without  compe- 
tent advice. 

There  are  three,  bathing  establish- 
ments at  Saratoga :  T/ie  Saratoga 
Baths,  just  opened  and  luxuriously 
appointed  ;  The  Red  Spring,  and  the 
misnamed  Magnetic.  There  is  also -a 
bath  house  at  The  White  Sulphur 
Spring,  south  of  Saratoga  Lake.  All 
are  well  conducted. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

THERAPEUTIC      APPLICABILITY,    AND 
DIETETICS. 

The  omni-curative  pretension,  which 
so  often  characterizes  the  Hterature  of 
mineral  waters,  is  apt  to  suggest  a 
doubt  of  their  remedial  potency,  even 
within  the  domain  where  their  value 
has  been  demonstrated  beyond  ques- 
tion. And,  unfortunately,  this  ten- 
dency to  exaggeration  is  not  confined 
to  the  advertising  circulars,  but  some- 
times may  be  noticed  in  the  writings 
of  those  from  whom  better  things 
might  be  expected. 

To  cite  an  example,  not  too  near 
home,  a  Carlsbad  physician — of  homeo- 


135 


136      HYDROTHERAPY  AT  SARATOGA. 

pathic  persuasion — works  his  way 
through  the  nosological  alphabet, 
enumerating  as  curable  by  that  spa 
almost  every  conceivable  malady :  no 
less  than  eight  distinct  diseases  of  the 
spleen;  ''most  of  which,"  comments 
Dr.  Madden,  with  delicious  cynicism, 
'*  we  are  utterly  ignorant  of  in  this 
country,  but  have  the  satisfaction  of 
learning  that  they  may  all  be  cured  by 
sending  the  patient  to  Carlsbad." 

Strange  as  it  may  seem,  such  stupid 
hyperbole  is  not  always  intentionally 
dishonest,  but  often  the  result  of  the 
common  error,  which  is  responsible 
for  much  of  the  confusion  and  contra- 
diction pertaining  to  the  subject ;  and 
which,  it  has  been  one  of  the  first  ob- 
jects of  this  work  to  correct.  Mineral 
waters  are  in  no  sense  specifics.    Judi- 


THERAPEUTIC  APPLICABILITY.       137 

ciously  selected,  and  carefully  adminis- 
tered, tJicy  a7'e,  zuitJiottt  exception,  the 
safest  and  most  efficient  correctives  of 
the  morbid  constittitional  conditions 
common  to  most  for7ns  of  chrofiic  dis- 
ease ;  and  hence,  may  be  justly 
credited  with  the  widest  ranee  of  iiidi- 
7'ect  curative  power  ;  but,  even  in  condi- 
tions, such  as  the  uric  acid  diathesis,  in 
which  their  action  is  most  chemically 
direct,  it  is  based  upon  the  same  scien- 
tific principles  which  govern  the  use  of 
other  remedies  ;  and,  should  be  guarded 
by  the  same  discrimination  and  watch- 
fulness, that  we  are  accustomed  to  exer- 
cise in  other  methods  of  practice. 

The  dogmatic  assertion  that  one 
spring  will  cure  rheumatism,  another 
gout,  another  kidney  diseases,  and 
another  dyspepsia — without  any  regard 


138      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

to  the  type  of  the  disease  or  the  condi- 
tion of  the  patient — is  as  unjust  to  the 
water,  as  it  is  cruelly  misleading  to  the 
sufferer;  and  too  often  results  in  disap- 
pointment to  the  one,  and  unmerited 
loss  of  reputation  by  the  other.  It 
even  happens  -that  the  same  '  water, 
which  is  most  capable  of  combating  a 
morbid  predisposition,  or  actually  en- 
gaged in  erradicating  a  dyscrasia,  may, 
if  unwisely  pressed,  absolutely  aggra- 
vate the  active  manifestations.  Thus, 
for  instance,  it  has  been  noticed,  and 
unfairly  cited  in  disparagement  of  min- 
eral hydratics,  that  the  alkaline  waters 
most  warmly  commended  for  the  relief 
of  constitutional  gout,  will,  in  some 
cases,  positively  determine  an  acute  at- 
tack. Such  misfortunes,  however,  are 
readily   intelligible  to  anyone  who  will 


THERAPEUTIC  APPLICABILITY.       I39 


take  the  trouble  of  understanding  the 
rationale  of  mineral-water  drinking,  in 
conjunction  with  the  pathology  of  this, 
or  any  other  disease  ;  and,  are  as  easily 
avoided  as  the  untoward  consequences, 
following    the    misuse    of     any     other 

remedy. 

No  less  easily  understood  is  the  appar- 
ently paradoxical  experience,  that  dis- 
eases of  quite  different  kind  are  cured 
or  alleviated  at  the  same  spa,  whereas 
cases  of  the  same  nature  are  cured  or 
alleviated  by  very  different  spas ; 
merely  showing,  that  any  well  di- 
rected course  of  mineral  waters,  inde- 
pendent of  its  immediate  effects,  has, 
by  its  influence  upon  metabolism,  a 
health-restoring  quality  in  almost  every 
perverted  condition  of  the  system. 

When  we  remember,  the  variety  and 


1 40       H YDRO THERA PY  AT  SARATOGA. 

therapeutic     powers  of    the    Saratoga 
waters  ;  the  absence  of   all  guidance  or 
restriction  in  their  use  ;  the  diverse  con- 
ditions in    which    they  are    prescribed, 
often    entirely    at    haphazard,    without 
reference  to  the  quality  of  their  ingred- 
ients, the  method  of    their    action,    or 
the  fitness  of  any  particular  spring  to 
the  special  need  of  the  individual    pa- 
tient ;  and  finally,  with  entire  neglect  of 
the  general  hygienic  precautions  whicji 
usually   surround  any  other  medicinal 
course — it    is    indeed    remarkable  how 
regularly    they    produce    beneficial    ef- 
fects, and  how  seldom  we  hear  of  an 
authenticated  failure,  after  even  the  sem- 
blance   of   a    fair    trial.     When    disap- 
pointment does  result,   it  is  unhesitat- 
ingly attributed  to  the  worthlessness,  or 
uncertain  action,  of  the  waters,  and  not, 


DIETARY,  141 

as  it  usually  should  be,  to  the  unwise 
selection  of  a  spring,  or,  perhaps,  the 
ill-advised  administration  of  an  entirely 
inappropriate  remedy. 

Diet. — A  properly  regulated  dietary 
is  the  most  important  auxiliary  of  an 
hydriatic  course.  Indeed,  it  is  abso- 
lutely essential  to  a  satisfactory  result  ; 
but  here,  too,  it  is  necessary  to  clear 
the  decks  of  absurd  exaggeration,  and 
traditional  prejudice,  as  preliminary  to 
a  reasonable  mastery  of  the  situation. 

A  large  proportion  of  all  disease  is 
attributable  directly  or  remotely  to  an 
habitually  injudicious  diet.  This  is 
especially  true  of  gout,  rheumatism, 
dyspepsia,  hepatic  and  renal  com- 
plaints, and  a  variety  of  other  ailments 
most  susceptible  of  relief  at  Saratoga, 
and    niost    likely    to    seek    treatment 


142       HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

there.  It  is  the  fundamental  principle 
of  rational  medicine  to  remove,  or  miti- 
gate, the  cause  of  disease  before  essay- 
ing its  cure.  In  the  ordinary  routine 
of  practice,  we  are  accustomed  to  ad- 
vise such  patients  as  to  their  habits  of 
life,  and  specify  for  them  an  approxi- 
mate scale  of  diet — the  adoption  of 
which  we  regard  as  no  less  significant 
than  the  medicine  prescribed  for  the 
disease.  Dietetic  reformation,  to  pre- 
cisely the  same  extent,  neither  more  or 
less,  is  necessary  during  a  hydro-min- 
eral course  as  during  any  other  course 
of  regular  medication  ;  bearing  in  mind, 
of  course,  the  special  chemical  charac- 
teristics of  the  water,  and  the  conditions 
incidental  to  the  bulk  of  fluid  con- 
sumed. 

Persons  suffering  from  complaints  di- 


DIETARY.  143 

rectly  the  result  of  over-eating,  or 
other  excess,  who  unfortunately  lack 
the  requisite  self-control  to  abstain 
from  continued  intemperance,  may, /<?r' 
this  reasofiy  derive  more  benefit  at 
Carlsbad — where  there  is  little  tempta- 
tion to  gastronomic  over-indulgence — 
than  at  Saratoga,  where  every  prandial 
delicacy  is  easily  procurable.  But  let 
it  be  clearly  understood  that,  in  these 
doubly  deplorable  cases,  any  temporary 
betterment  achieved  abroad  is  in  no 
way  due  to  superiority  of  the  Carlsbad 
waters  over  those  of  Saratoga,  but  en- 
tirely to  the  enforced  restrictions  at  the 
Bohemian  resort ;  whereas  at  Saratoga 
one  may  gormandize  and  get  drunk,  or 
live  as  a  rational  being,  whichever  he 
pleases. 

The  writer  admits   a   lack   of   sym- 


144      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

pathy  with  the  view  sometimes  ex- 
pressed by  physicians,  that  the  ordi- 
nary routine  of  life  should  be  restricted 
at  every  turn  for  the  protection  of 
those,  so  wanting  in  moral  sway,  as  to 
be  unable  to  enjoy  its  good  things, 
without  pernicious  excess.  One  so  un- 
fortunately constituted  that  he  cannot 
sit  to  a  liberal  table  without  gluttony, 
or  meet  his  friends  without  intemper- 
ance, is  sincerely  to  be  pitied ;  and 
needs  precisely  the  same  special  guard- 
ianship against  the  temptations  of 
fashionable  Saratoga  that  he  does 
against  those  of  New  York  City,  or 
any  other  civilized  center ;  and,  it  may 
be  added,  has  just  as  little  claim  to 
have  others  inconvenienced  because  of 
his  vices.  But  surely,  the  majority  of 
invalids    may   be    trusted    to   restrict 


DIETARY.  145 

themselves,  in  these  respects,  within 
the  limits  dictated  by  common  sense, 
or  prescribed  by  their  physician  ;  and 
will  select  from  the  most  elaborate 
77167121  the  articles  allowable  in  their 
condition,  to  the  exclusion  of  those 
which  everybody  knows  to  be  indigesti- 
ble. 

As  a  matter  of  fact,  the  restrictions 
of  diet  especially  demanded  by  a 
course  of  Saratoga  waters,  independent 
of  limitations  indicated  by  the  nature 
of  the  disease,  are  fully  expressed  in 
the  single  monition  :  ModeratioTi  zti  all 
thz7igs.  It  should  be  remembered, 
however,  particularly  during  the  first 
days  after  arrival,  that  the  appropriate 
use  of  the  waters,  together  with  the 
fresh  country  air,  the  change  of  sur- 
roundings, and  even  the  altered  hours 


1 46      H YDRO THERA PY  AT  SARATOGA. 

of  meals,  are  liable  to  sharpen  the 
appetite  to  an  unwonted  degree  ;  and 
hence  there  is  a  tendency  to  eat  too 
much — especially  of  the  delicious  fresh 
vegetables  so  plentiful  at  this  season. 

The  absolute  prohibition,  during  any 
hydro-mineral  course,  of  certain  other- 
wise unobjectionable  articles  of  diet, 
such  as  butter,  fats,  vegetables,  acid 
fruits  and  wines,  on  the  ground  of  a 
special  incompatibility  with  the  water, 
still  pertains  to  a  great  extent  at  Carls- 
bad and  elsewhere — as  a  part  of  the 
mysterious  dogmatism  so  impressive  to 
the  half-educated  valetudinarian.  It 
is,  however,  based  upon  physiological 
error,  long  since  exploded  ;  and  is  un- 
worthy of  consideration,  beyond  the 
reasonable  discrimination  which  one 
seeking  relief  from  disordered    diges- 


DIETARY.  147 

tion,  or  its  consequences,  should  exer- 
cise in  the  selection  and  combination 
of  foods.  It  is  asserted  that  a  water 
containing  alkaline  salts  prematurely 
saponifies  butter  and  fats  ;  but  as  such 
a  water  should  never  be  taken  so 
closely  before  a  meal  as  not  to  allow  of 
its  absorption  into  the  blood,  or  neu- 
tralization by  the  acid  juices  of  the 
stomach — or,  soon  after  food,  unless 
there  is  evidence  of  gastric  hypera- 
cidity— it  is  impossible  to  suppose  that 
any  such  a  process  can  take  place  to  an 
objectionable  degree  ;  and,  although, 
no  well-chosen  dietary  admits  of  ex- 
cessively fat,  or  greasily  cooked  foods, 
and  such  are  especially  interdicted  in 
hepatic  and  dyspeptic  infirmities,  yet  a 
reasonable  amount  of  fat  aids  in  nutri- 
tion,    and    even    promotes    stomachic 


148      HYDRO  TH£RAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

digestion  ;  and  this,  can  be  taken  in  no 
better,  or  more  easily  assimilated,  form 
than  as  good  butter. 

Acid  fruits  and  wines  are  apt  to  dis- 
agree under  all  circumstances,  notably 
with  persons  of  weak  digestion  or 
rheumatic  tendency ;  but  otherwise, 
it  is  incongruous  with  the  most 
elementary  knowledge  of  physiological 
chemistry,  to  declare  that,  taken  in^ 
moderation,  they  could  nullify  the 
constitutional  benefits  of  an  alkaline 
course  ;  for,  in  their  passage  through 
the  system,  the  alkaline  bicarbonates 
must  encounter  much  more  powerful 
acids  than  these :  nevertheless  we 
know  that  they  reappear  as  carbonates 
in  the  blood  and  secretions. 

Pretty  much  the  same  general  con- 
siderations   govern    the    admission,  or 


DIETARY.  149 

complete  interdiction  of  alcohol,  in 
other  forms.  The  oft-repeated  cock- 
tail— everywhere  injurious — does  not 
become  salubrious  at  Saratoga  ;  neither 
can  it  be  honestly  stated  that  it  acquires 
a  more  rapidly  fatal  influence,  because 
the  tippler  has  commenced  the  day 
well,  with  a  few  glasses  of  sparkling 
mineral  water. 

It  would  be  clearly  out  of  place  here 
to  enter  upon  a  general  discussion  of 
the  dietetic  uses  of  wine  or  alcohol. 
It  is  well  understood  that  excessive 
indulgence  in  either  is  a  prolific  cause 
of  gout,  rheumatism,  dyspepsia,  and 
other  conditions  most  benefited  by  a 
course  of  mineral  water  ;  and  therefore, 
it  should  be  unnecessary  to  urge  upon 
those  seeking  relief  from  these  ail- 
ments, the  advisability    of    a  much  re- 


150      HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

stricted  indulgence,  or  total  abstin- 
ence— at  least  during  the  continuance 
of  treatment.  It  may  be  added,  that 
in  spite  of  the  prevailing  conviviality, 
and  absolute  freedom  from  restraint  of 
any  kind,  the  general  conditions  of 
residence  at  Saratoga  are  extremely 
favorable  for  the  self -re formation  of 
the  habitually  immoderate  drinker  ;  for, 
not  only  is  there  less  craving  for 
bracers,  owing  to  the  invigorating  in- 
fluence of  the  clear  atmosphere,  the 
bright  surroundings,  and  the  stimulat- 
ing effect  of  the  waters  ;  but,  it  is  always 
easier  to  give  up  pernicious  customs 
when  led  away  from  familiar  evil 
associations  ;  and  it  need  not  be  said 
that  amended  habits,  so  acquired — with- 
out forfeiture  of  self-respect — are  moro 
likely    to    endure,   than    any    resulting 


DIETARY.  151 

from   temporary   enforced  restrictions, 
or  Keeley  quackery. 

One  of  the  shrewdest  of  ancient  phil- 
osophers declares  that  ''a  well-governed 
stomach  is  a  great  part  of  liberty."* 
Teach  widely,  then,  in  this  land  of  lib- 
erty, the  difference  between  what  is 
right  and  what  is  wrong  :  impress  upon 
human  intelligence  the  immutability  of 
cause  and  effect ;  but,  in  essentially 
personal -matters,  let  every  free  man  be 
a  law  unto  himself.  Even,  if  desired, 
it  would  be  scientifically  impossible  to 
formulate  a  dietary  suitable  for  every- 
one using  the  waters.  This,  as  the 
regulation  of  exercise,  hours  of  rising 
and  retiring,  and  other  hygienic  rou- 
tine, must  be  determined  individually ; 

*  "  Magna  pars  libertatis  est  bene  moratus  venter," — 
Seneca  Epist.,  123. 


152      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

not  only  with  reference  to  the  special 
ailment  of  the  invalid,  and  his  general 
physical  condition,  but  as  bearing  upon 
his  previous  habits  and  mode  of  life. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

A    PRACTICAL    DIVISION    OF    SARATOGA 
WATERS. 

In  the  number  and  excellence  of  the 
Saratoga  springs  we  have  indeed  such 
an  embarrassment  of  riches,  that  to  in- 
dividualize their  therapeutic  merits  is 
scarcely  possible,  beyond  a  reference  to 
the  tables  comparing  their  mineral  con- 
tents. A  preference  may  be  given, 
everything  else  being  equal,  to  springs 
presenting  a  more  recent,  and  conse- 
quently reliable  analysis  ;  and  to  those 
having  a  deep  and  modern  tubing, 
which     assures    a     greater     protection 

against   surface   contamination. 

153 


154       HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

It  is  merely  for  convenience,  in 
discussing  their  remedial  applicability, 
that  those  deemed  of  most  impor- 
tance are  roughly  classified  as  fol- 
lows : 

1.  Powerfully  Saline :  Th^  Champion 
and  Carlsbad :  in  which  the  preponder- 
ance of  salines  practically  overshadows 
the  other  ingredients,  however  abun- 
dant and  helpful.  Usual  effects  :  ac- 
tively cathartic,  diuretic,  and  deob- 
struent. 

2.  Powerful  Saline-Alkaline :  Nota- 
bly the  Geyser  :  a  pleasant  and  valu- 
able water,  containing  a  large  propor- 
tion of  the  bicarbonates  of  sodium  and 
lithium.  Effects,  same  as  previous,  but 
in  small  quantities  more  distinctly  anti- 
lithsemic  and  alterative. 

3.  Medium    Alkaline-Saline:     The 


DIVISION  OF  SARATOGA    WATERS.      155 

Congress  and  Hathorn  :  both  of  which 
have  acquired  a  world-wide,  and 
well-deserved  reputation  ;  and  both 
have  been  recently  retubed  in  the 
latest  approved  manner.  Effects  : 
briskly  aperient,  when  taken  fasting 
in  sufficient  quantity ;  also,  diuretic, 
diaphoretic,  alterative,  anti-scorbutic, 
stimulant,  and,  under  some  circum- 
stances, sedative.  The  Excelsior  may 
also  be  included  in  this  class. 

4.  Mild  Alkaline-Saline :  The  Pa^- 
terson,  Peerless,  and  Royal.  All  re- 
cently discovered  deep  wells,  perfectly 
tubed,  exceedingly  valuable  and  palat- 
able ;  and,  possessing  in  a  milder,  but 
amply  serviceable  degree,  all  the  vir- 
tues credited  to  the  stronger  waters. 
The  Patterson  is  a  perfect  mineral 
water. 


156       HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

5.  Notably  Alkaline :  The  Kissen- 
gen,  and  Vichy,  In  both  the  bicar- 
bonate of  sodium  largely  predominates  ; 
but,  with  sufficient  saline  adjuvant  to 
form  a  delicious  and  in  every  respect 
excellent  alkaline  water — fully  ade- 
quate to  meet  all  indications  of  the 
acid  dyscrasise,  yet  practically  incapable 
of  harm,  with  reasonable  regard  to  the 
cautions  already  specified.  Under  or- 
dinary circumstances  they  are  but 
slightly  laxative. 

6.  Chalybeate :  The  Columbian^ 
HamiltoUy  Washington,  and  Pavilioji. 
Their  tonic  and  blood-making  quali- 
ties have  been  fully  stated  in  a  previ- 
ous chapter,  when  discussing  the  im- 
portance of  iron  as  an  ingredient  of 
mineral  water.  All  require  a  re-analy- 
sis, and  more  modern  tubing. 


DIVISION  OF  SARATOGA    WATERS.      157 

7.  Sulphated :  The  White  Sulphur 
Spring,  situated  about  one  mile  to  the 
northeast,  near  the  Eureka  Spring,  is 
a  good  water,  especially  for  bathing  ; 
but  has  been  entirely  neglected  of 
late  years  ;  the  other  White  Sulphur 
Spring,  at  the  southern  end  of  Sara- 
toga Lake,  possesses  the  usual  qualities 
of  a  mild  sulphur  water — aperient 
deobstruent. 

Besides  these,  should  be  mentioned 
the  High  Rock  and  the  Red  Springy 
each  with  over  a  century's  commenda- 
tion, and  still  retaining  a  deserved 
popularity  ;  the  Star,  which  is  widely 
known,  especially  through  the  Eastern 
States,  and  has  contributed  its  quota  to 
the  universal  fame  of  the  Saratoga 
springs  ;  and  also,  the  Favorite,  Em- 
pire, Saratoga  A,  Seltzer,  and  Union. 


158      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

The  Eureka,  Imperial,  and  Crystal  are 
no  longer  cared  for ;  and  over  a  dozen 
others  have  been  named,  but  never 
analyzed  or  developed. 


CHAPTER  X. 

GENERAL  PRECEPTS. 

It  is  clearly  impossible  to  lay  down 
general  rules  governing  the  various  and 
complicated  questions  involved  in  an 
hydriatic  course,  which  would  apply  to 
even  a  single  class  of  cases,  without 
innumerable  exceptions.  The  partic- 
ular spring  or  springs  to  be  patronized, 
the  quantity  of  water  to  be  consumed, 
the  best  time  and  method  of  taking  it, 
the  proper  duration  of  cxeatment,  and 
the  wisdom  of  combining  baths  with 
the  internal  use  of  the  waters — must  all 
be  determined  for  each  individual  pa- 
tient, in  accordance  with  the  rational 
principles  already  enunciated,  and  sub- 


159 


1 60      H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

ject  to  modification  conformable  with 
the  early  results. 

It  was  the  advice  of  the  older  Sara- 
toga physicians,^  is  customary  at  most 
European  Spas,  and,  as  a  general  pre- 
cept, can  scarcely  be  improved  :  to  visit 
the  springs  while  still  fasting  in  the 
morning,  take  two,  three,  or  more 
glasses  of  water — as  may  prove  neces- 
sary for  catharsis — with  a  promenade 
of  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  between  each 
glass,  and,  after  the  last  one,  at  least  an 
hour's  occasional  gentle  exercise  before 
breakfast.  Then,  if  further  imbibation 
is  considered  desirable,  the  patient 
should  return  to  the  spring  about  one 
hour  before  the  afternoon  or  evening 
meals,  or  both  ;  but  at  these  times  a 
smaller  quantity  is  always  sufficient. 

*  Steele,  North,  and  Allen. 


GENERAL   PRECEPTS.  i6l 


Although,  in  the  great  majority  of 
cases,  and  for  reasons  some  of  which 
will  be  referred  to  in  a  subsequent 
chapter,  it  is  preferable  to  drink  the 
waters  as  flowing  fresh  and  sparkling 
from  the  fountains,  yet,  for  some  deli- 
cate persons,  it  may  be  on  the  whole 
more  advantageous — and  for  those  who 
rise  late,  and  habitually  occupy  much 
time  over  their  toilets,  more  convenient 
— to  have  the  first  water  brought  to 
their  rooms,  and  drink  it  leisurely  while 
dressing.  The  early  morning,  and  an 
empty  stomach,  are  pre-eminently  the 
favorable  time  and  condition  for  min- 
eral water  drinking  ;  more  especially, 
for  that  intended  to  act  perceptibly  up- 
on the  bowels  and  secretions.  This  is 
so,  not  only  because  the  gastric  and 
intestinal  vessels    are    more    ready    to 


l62       HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

absorb  after  the  night's  rest,  and  pro- 
longed deprivation  of  fluid  ;  but  also 
because,  under  these  circumstances  es- 
pecially, a  draught  of  cold  water  of  any 
character,  will  reflexly  stimulate  peris- 
taltic movements,  and  thus  promote  the 
emptying  of  the  lower  bowel.  But 
even  this  rule  is  open  to  exception. 
Invalids  of  the  same  frail  constitution, 
which  wisely  debarred  from  the  more 
severe  routine  of  early  rising  and  ante- 
prandial exercise,  will,  occasionally,  de- 
rive more  benefit  by  postponing  the 
use  of  the  water  until  an  hour  or  so 
after  a  cup  of  hot  coffee,  or  perhaps  a 
light  breakfast. 

Under  ordinary  conditions  the  Sara- 
toga waters  should  be  taken  at  their 
natural  temperature  :  about  50°  F. 
This  rule,  also,  particularly  applies  to 


GENERAL   PRECEPTS.  1 63 

the  morning  draught,  and  when  cathar- 
sis is  the  principal  purpose.  Thus  im- 
bibed, they  promote  purgation  by  three 
distinct,  but  co-operative  methods.  As 
just  stated,  the  unaccustomed  stimulus 
of  cold  to  the  stomach  reflexly  aug- 
ments peristaltic  action  ;  and,  moreover, 
it  retards  the  stomachic  absorption  of 
the  salts,  which  are  consequently  car- 
ried on  into  the  intestines,  there  chent- 
ically  augmenting  secretion  ;  and  fin- 
ally, by  direct  irritatioTiy  they  still 
further  increase  peristaltic  movement. 
On  the  other  hand,  when  warmed  to 
about  the  temperature  of  the  blood,  the 
water  is  more  easily  absorbed,  and  in 
some  instances  less  apt  to  disagree 
with  a  very  sensitive  stomach.  It  may 
be  heated  to  any  desired  degree,  either 
by   the    direct    addition    of    very    hot 


l64      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

water,  or  by  placing  in  hot  water  the 
uncorked  bottle.  This  process  in- 
volves the  escape  of  some  carbonic 
acid  gas,  but,  as  already  noted  in 
speaking  of  warm  baths,  the  Saratoga 
waters  are  so  rich  in  this  commodity, 
that  they  can  well  afford  a  considerable 
loss,  and  still  retain  sufficient  for  all 
purposes  ;  and  more  than  the  most  cele- 
brated thermal  waters  abroad. 

The  quantity  of  mineral  water  neces- 
sary for  the  best  results,  can  only  be 
determined  with  reference  to  the  con- 
stitutional peculiarities  of  the  individual, 
the  nature  of  the  ailment,  and  the  par- 
ticular spring  used.  There  is  a  de- 
cided tendency  to  drink  too  much, 
among  those  who  are  very  much  in 
earnest  in  the  search  for  health  ;  and 
also,     among     another     class — by     no 


GENERAL  PRECEPTS.  165 

means  insignificant — who  are  deter- 
mined to  get  full  value  for  the  expend- 
iture entailed  in  visiting  the  springs.  It 
is  difficult  to  convince  these  people  that 
the  measure  of  benefit,  to  be  derived 
from  the  waters,  is  in  no  sense  propor- 
tionate to  the  quantity  consumed,  but 
rather  to  the  discretion  and  regu- 
larity, with  which  it  is  used.  From  one, 
to  four  pints  a  day,  is  sufficient  for  al- 
most any  indication.  To  deluge  the 
stomach  with  inordinate  quantities,  of 
even  the  milder  waters,  can  only  result 
in  disordered  digestion,  catarrh  of  the 
stomach  and  intestines,  diarrhea,  renal 
irritability,  and  other  constitutional  dis- 
turbances— which  will  more  than  nullify 
any  otherwise  happy  effects. 

As    set    forth  in  an  earlier  chapter, 
purgation    and    diuresis — although  ex- 


1 66      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

ceedingly  gratifying  to  the  ignorant  in- 
valid, and  in  almost  every  case  really 
serviceable — are  by  no  means  the  most 
valuable  remedial  effects  of  the  Sara- 
toga waters.  At  the  same  time,  it  is 
important,  especially  during  the  first 
days  of  any  hydro-mineral  course,  that 
the  bowels  should  act  quite  freely  ;  oth- 
erwise vascular  excitation,  headache,  and 
other  unpleasant  symptoms  may  ensue. 
But  if  a  reasonable  use  of  the  wa- 
ters should  fail  to  induce  a  moderately 
laxative  effect,  it  will  be  better  to  re-en- 
force their  action  by  some  mild  phar- 
maceutical aperient,  than  to  inordi- 
nately increase  the  quantity  consumed. 
The  appearance  of  diarrhea,  or 
other  evidence  of  intestinal  irritation, 
usually  indicates  that  the  water  is  not 
sufficiently    absorbed    in    the   stomach. 


GENERAL  PRECEPTS.  167 

and  upper  alimentary  tract.  This  may 
sometimes  be  corrected,  even  without 
reducing  the  quantity  of  water,  by  heat- 
ing, or  by  dividing  it  into  smaller  doses. 
Constipation,  on  the  other  hand,  points 
to  too  rapid  absorption  ;  but,  although 
not  uncommon  at  other  spas,  seldom 
arises  at  Saratoga,  owing  to  the  happy 
combination  of  salines  in  both  the  cha- 
lybeate and  alkaline  waters. 

Mixing  different  waters  is  generally 
observed  to  disagree  ;  but  there  is  no 
reason  why  one  should  be  restricted  to 
any  particular  spring,  for  even  a  single 
day  ;  and  where  there  are  so  many  to 
choose  from  of  similar  therapeutic  qual- 
ities, yet  slightly  differing  in  taste,  the 
palate  of  the  patient  should  be  consulted 
when  possible.  It  is  commonly  a 
good  plan  to  drink  the  Hathorn,  Con- 


1 68       H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 


gress,  or  Excelsior  during  the  morning 
hours  ;  and  later  in  the  day,  after  the 
bowels  have  acted  freely,  to  partake  of 
one  of  the  milder  alkaline-saline,  chaly- 
beate, or  notable  alkaline  waters,  as 
indicated  by  the  nature  of  the  dis- 
ease. 

It  sometimes  suits  best  to  use 
the  same  water  throughout  an  entire 
course ;  and  if  well  chosen  in  the 
beginning,  there  is  seldom  need  to 
change.  Indeed,  it  is  not  difficult  to 
find  among  the  habitues  of  Saratoga, 
those,  who  pretend  to  know  all  about 
it,  yet  swear  by  one  spring,  and  will  not 
hear  of  any  other. 

But  a  single  general  question  re- 
mains, and  even  that  cannot  be  an- 
swered without  reservations  :  How  far 
is  it  wise  to  abandon  a  regular  medical 


GENERAL   PRECEPTS.  169 

treatment  during  a  course  of  Sara- 
toga waters  ?  When,  as  is  the  rule  in 
chronic  complaints,  the  previous  rem- 
edies have  been  themselves  of  the  al- 
terative character — such  as  the  iodides, 
bromides,  or  chlorides  of  mercury,  so- 
dium, potassium,  or  arsenic — it  is  usually 
better  to  entirely  suspend  their  use 
during  the  hydriatic  course ;  not  so 
much,  because  of  any  incompatibility 
with  the  waters,  as  in  order  to  test 
their  marvelous  powers  unaided ;  to 
avoid  the  common  error  of  over-drug- 
ging, or  confusion  in  observing  effects  ; 
and  to  reserve  our  faithful  friends  of 
the  pharmacopoeia  for  emergencies,  in 
which*  it  might  be  impossible  to  satis- 
factorily administer  the  waters.  On 
the  other  hand,  when  the  symptoms 
are  urgent,  there  is  no  reason  why  these 


170      H YDRO THERA PY  AT  SARATOGA. 

drugs,  or  others  of  a  different  nature — 
such  as  colchicum,  salicin,  digitalis, 
quinine,  aconite,  opium,  belladonna,  or 
pepsine — should  not  be  combined  with 
a  moderate  use  of  the  waters. 

There  can  be  no  dogmatic  limit  to  the 
judicious  use  of  waters,  the  main  ingre- 
dients of  which  have  been  shown  to  be 
necessary  components  of  the  normal 
body — so  long  as  they  agree  with  the 
person  using  them.  Nevertheless,  the 
summer  months  are  decidedly  the  best 
time  for  any  regular  course  of  mineral 
waters ;  for,  independent  of  the  special 
advantages  of  visiting  the  springs,  and 
drinking  the  waters  fresh  at  their 
source,  and  the  co-operative  healthful 
accompaniments  of  such  a  trip — which 
might  often  claim  considerable  share  of 
credit    for    good     results    obtained — 


GENERAL   PRECEPTS.  I?! 


the  warm  weather  especially  favors 
augmented  transudation  of  the  skin 
and  membranes — an  important  element 
in  the  hydriatic  influence. 


CHAPTER  XL 

NOSOLOGY. 

The  method  heretofore  pursued  has 
been  to  explain  the  special  qualities  of 
mineral  waters,  together  with  the  physi- 
ological principles  governing  their  ther- 
apeutic action.  If  the  object  intended 
has,  so  far,  been  successfully  attained, 
the  essential  outlines  of  the  subject — 
the  general  applicability  of  hydriatic 
treatment,  as  well  as,  the  conditions 
which  contra-indicate  its  use— are  al- 
ready understood  by  the  intelligent 
reader ;  and  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to 
particularize,  in  detail,  the  modifications 
of  procedure  suitable  for   each  form  of 

disease ;    or    to    emphasize    a    system 

173 


174      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

scientifically  correct,  by  tedious  narra- 
tion of  individual  cases. 

It  only  remains,  therefore,  to  con- 
sider briefly  the  more  important  morbid 
states,  with  special  reference  to  this 
mode  of  treatment. 

Scrofula  AND  Tuberculosis. — Scrof- 
ula is  a  scourge  which  afflicts  all  classes 
of  society.  Yet,  in  practice  we  scarcely 
speak  the  word,  for  it  savors  of  re- 
proach, although  often  without  reason. 
The  true  physician,  however,  is  equally 
thoughtful  to  spare  mental  pain,  as  to 
relieve  bodily  suffering.  Fortunately, 
in  the  whole  category  of  disease,  there  is 
not  one  in  which  happy  results  may  be 
more  confidently  expected,  from  a 
judicious  use  of  mineral  waters. 

The  scrofulous  diathesis  is  a  morbid 
constitutional    state,    commonly    inher- 


SCROFULA.  17s 


ited,  but  invariably  associated  with  tor- 
pidity of  the  lymphatic  system,  and 
perversion  of  nutritive  activity.  It 
usually  declares  itself  in  early  life,  and 
str^ge  to  say,  almost  equally  in  per- 
sons of  totally  different  appearance  and 
temperament.  Its  baneful  influence  may 
predominate,  alike,  in  those  of  slender 
physique,  fine  transparent  skin,  blue 
eyes,  blond  complexion,  and  tapering 
hands  ;  as  in  an  opposite  and  less  at- 
tractive class,  distinguishable  by  short, 
ungainly  stature,  dark  coarse  skin, 
stubby  features,  and  clubbed  fingers. 
It's  pathological  manifestations  are  no 
less  inclusive — ranging  from  mucous  ca- 
tarrhs, with  a  tendency  to  the  develop- 
ment of  -pulmonary  phthisis,  to  degen- 
eration of  lymphatic  glands,  indolent 
swellings,  exudations  in  cellular  tissue, 


176       HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

cold  abscess,  skin  diseases,  necrosis  of 
bone,  and  disorganization  of  joints. 
One  and  all  are  primarily  an  expression 
of  impairment  of  the  complex  associa- 
tion of  functions,  already  frequently  re- 
ferred to  as  metabolism.  Defective  per- 
formance of  this  composite  process,  and 
consequent  mal-nutrition  of  the  tissues, 
invariably  distinguishes  the  scrofulous 
dyscrasia  ;  and,  therefore,  whatever  the 
special  form  it  may  have  assumed,*  it 
would  be  irrational  to  essay  the  cure  of 
local  expressions,  without  also  striking 
deep  at  the  root  of  the  evil — the  per- 
verted constitutional  habit. 

To  those  who  have  studied  the  pre- 
vious pages,  it  will  be  easily  apparent, 
on  theoretical  grounds,  how  perfect  a 
remedy  is  offered  for  this  lamentable 
condition   by  a   sojourn    at    Saratoga, 


SCROFULA.  \11 


and  a  systematic  course  of  mineral 
hydrotherapy.  It  has  been  demon- 
strated that  both  drinking  and  bath- 
ing in  the  saHne  water  promote  and 
improve  metaboHsm,  which  is  here  at 
fault — the  baths  deaH ng,  mainly,  with 
the  changes  of  non-azotized,  and  im- 
bibation  with  those  of  azotized  sub- 
stances. Hence  by  a  judicious  com- 
bination of  both  methods,  we  may  pro- 
mote a  healthy  tissue-change  in  every 
direction — precisely  what  is  needed  to 
combat  the  scrofulous  tendency. 

But,  more  convincing  than  theory  is 
the  universal  experience  that  these 
patients,  even  when  by  no  means  skill- 
fully handled,  almost  always  Improve, 
and  frequently  attain  a  positive  cure  at 
Saratoga ;  and,  allowing  the  fullest 
credit  to  change  of  air,  diet,  and  other 


178      H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

contributory  hygienic  influences — which 
it  will  be  noticed  do  not,  unaided,  pro- 
duce such  cures  elsewhere — there  can 
be  no  doubt  that  the  mineral  water  is 
the  main  factor  in  attaining  a  salutary 
result. 

There  is  still  another  consideration  : 
During  the  summer  months  the  ordin- 
ary therapeutic  treatment  of  scrofula 
is  usually,  and  for  good  reasons,  either 
entirely  suspended  or  materially  modi- 
fied. The  cod-liver  oil,  so  valuable  in 
winter,  is  especially  apt  to  disagree 
during  warm  weather;  and  experience 
suggests  the  wisdom  of  reserving  the 
other  trusted  aids  of  pharmacy  until  the 
return  of  the  more  trying  season.  It 
is  during  this  interval  that  the  water 
treatment  will  be  found  especially  valu- 
able.    The  interruption,  or  diminution, 


SCROFULA.  179 


of  accustomed  medication  gives  nature 
an  opportunity  to  profit  by  its  past  al- 
terative influence,  while  skillful  hydro- 
therapy arouses  her  to  the  utilization  of 
her  own  inherent  forces. 

The  determination  of  ftydriatic 
routine,  for  scrofulous  patients,  must 
depend  upon  the  special  phase  and  de- 
velopment of  the  malady,  and  the  age, 
constitutional  peculiarities,  and  vital 
possibilities  of  the  individual. 

For  internal  administration,  the 
Saratoga  waters  are  in  every  respect 
unequaled.  The  abundance  of  gas, 
the  salines  in  almost  any  proportion 
desired,  the  iron  in  easily  assimilated 
form,  and  the  iodine  and  bromine  in 
minute,  but  usually  serviceable  quan- 
tities— ^each  separately  answers  some 
specific  indication  ;  and  together,  they 


1 8o      H  YDRO  THERA  PY  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

offer  a  compound  remedy  without  any 
exception  the  most  perfect  in  the 
world.  The  choice  of  springs,  and  the 
quantity  of  water  to  be  prescribed,  must 
be  guided  by  the  general  principles 
inculcated  in  former  chapters.  As  a 
rule,  it  is  not  well  to  purge  these 
patients,  particularly  when,  as  is  com- 
mon in  the  lympathic  temperament, 
emaciation  and  anaemia  are  prominent 
features.  The  Hathorn,  Congress, 
and  Excelsior  are  usually  suitable  for 
the  morning  potation  ;  the  Patterson, 
High  Rock,  or  Peerless,  at  almost  any 
time  during  the  day  ;  and  the  Colum- 
bian in  small  doses,  and  regularly 
taken,  soon  after  meals..  These  waters 
are  particularly  valuable  in  the  treat- 
ment of  scrofulous  children,  and  are,  as 
a  rule,  easily  digested.      For  this  period 


SCROPuLA.  i8i 

of  life  it  is  sometimes  well  to  shake  the 
water,  or  let  it  stand  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes,  so  as  to  promote  a  moderate 
escape  of  carbonic  acid  gas.  In  some 
forms  of  gastric  disturbance,  however, 
it  wmII  be  found  exceedingly  valuable. 

Mineral  baths,  of  some  sort,  are 
strongly  indicated  in  all  forms  of  scrof- 
ula. Cold  sea  bathing  has,  from  early 
times,  been  deemed  a  specific,  and 
would  be  almost  universally  applicable, 
but  for  the  danger  of  exposure  to  cold 
air,  and  the  temptation  to  over-prolong 
the  indulgence.  The  stronger  Sara- 
toga waters  have  a  similar  mineraliza- 
tion to  sea  water,  but  with  the  valuable 
addition  of  gaseous  saturation — the 
stimulating  influence  of  which  upon 
the  skin  is  exceedingly  serviceable  in 
these   cases.       And    further,    the    con- 


1 82      HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

venient;  and  luxuriously  appointed 
bath-houses  render  possible  the  scien- 
tifie  administration  of  this  treatment, 
even  to  quite  young  children ;  and, 
under  conditions — such  as  ocular,  auric- 
ular, or  cutaneous  disorders  of  stru- 
mous origin,  or  intercurrent  cardiac  or 
nervous  symptoms — which  would  abso- 
lutely preclude  ocean  bathing. 

The  form,  temperature,  and  dura- 
tion of  the  baths,  and  the  frequency 
with  which  they  should  be  adminis- 
tered, will  depend  upon  circumstances 
already  considered,  and  may  possibly 
be  modified,  more  than  once,  during  the 
course  of  treatment,  in  accordance  with 
the  effects  produced.  The  shower, 
spray,  or  rapid  sponge  bath — com- 
mencing at  a  temperature  of  about 
75°  F.,  and  reducing  5°  each  day  until 


SCROFULA.  183 


55°  F.  has  been  reached — will  usually 
give  the  best  results  to  begin  with. 
As  a  rule,  it  is  wise  to  go  slow,  in  the 
blond,  slender  type  of  patient  espe- 
cially, and  it  is  prudent  to  reserve  the 
more  severe,  and  consequently  more 
efficacious,  balneological  procedures, 
until  it  has  been  noted  how  the  milder 
ones  are  borne  ;  and  some  estimate  has 
been  formed  of  the  reactive  capacity. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  should  be  re- 
membered that  the  7'ationale  of  cold 
bathing  is  to  stimulate,  and  produce  a 
vigorous  reaction,  and,  therefore,  the 
sooner,  consistently  with  discretion, 
that  a  moderately  cold  water  is  reached, 
the  quicker  and  more  gratifying  will  be 
the  result.  It  is  remarkable,  too,  how 
well,  even  extremely  low  temperatures, 
are    tolerated    by   scrofulous   patients, 


184      HYDROTHERAPY  AT  SARATOGA. 

provided  that  the  bath  is  properly  con- 
ducted, and  suitable  friction  rapidly  ap- 
plied. For  these  reasons,  unless  contra- 
indicated  by  some  special  circumstance, 
cold  baths  are  distinctly  preferable  to 
warm.  It  is  a  good  programme,  for  the 
fairly  robust  scrofulous  patient,  suffer- 
ing from  indolent  swellings  of  glands  or 
joints,  to  take  a  cold  shower,  or  full 
bath  in  the  morning  ;  and,  once  or  twice 
subsequently  during  the  day,  have  the 
mixed,  or  Scottish  douche  applied  to 
the  affected  part ;  which  treatment 
should  usually  be  combined  with  a  ju- 
dicious internal  use  of  the  waters. 

Scrofulous  patients  require  a  liberal, 
but  carefully  selected,  diet. 

Phthisis, — Pulmonary  consumption 
is  closely  related  to  scrofula.  Although, 
by  no  means  all  scrofulous  persons  de- 


PHTHISIS.  185 

velop  phthisis,  and  but  a  limited  pro- 
portion of  phthisical  persons  were  pri- 
marily of  the  scrofulous  diathesis,  it  is, 
nevertheless,  in  that  unfortunate  con- 
stitutional state  that  the  tubercular 
germ  finds  most  fertile  soil. 

From  the  purely  hygienic  standpoint, 
the  consumptive  can  select  no  more 
ideal  spot,  in  which  to  spend  the  sum- 
mer, than  Saratoga.  But,  in  consider- 
ing the  propriety  of  mineral  water 
treatment,  we  must  confine  ourselves 
distinctly  to  prophylaxis  against  tuber- 
cular invasion ;  and  resistance  to  the 
initial  onslaught  of  pulmonary  phthisis, 
occurring  in  persons  of  scrofulous  ante- 
cedents, and  characterized  by  the  slow 
asthenic  progress,  indicative  of  the 
strumous  temperament. 

The  tubercular    bacillus  is    a    mean 


1 86      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

and  treacherous  enemy — mainly  to  be 
dreaded  when  constitutional  vitality 
has  been  depressed  by  inherited  pre- 
disposition, or  some  extraneous  cause. 
The  whole  world  of  scientific  medicine 
is  engaged  to-day  in  the  search  for  some 
direct  weapon  with  which  to  smite  this 
accursed  microscopic  foe ;  and  happy 
will  be  the  day  when  it  is  found,  and 
blessed  be  the  man  who  finds  it.  Mean- 
time, we  can  only  hope  that,  by  stimu- 
lating the  VIS  medicati'ix  naturcB,  the 
recuperative  power  inherent  to  every 
healthy  organism,  we  may  starve  by 
plenty,  and  thus  annihilate,  the  wretched 
microbe  which  prospers  on  the  want  of 
its  victim.  The  bacillus  thrives  in  an 
ill-nourished  tissue ;  and  pulmonary 
consumption,  more  than  any  other  dis- 
ease  of    localized    pathology,    kills    by 


PHTHISIS.  187 


undermining  the  powers  of  life.  Hence 
the  ordinary  systems  of  treatment,  most 
approved,  are  directed  rather  to  the 
constitutional  debility,  than  to  the  lesion 
of  the  lung  itself.  We  cannot  directly 
cure  consumption  ;  but,  by  perfect  hy- 
giene and  judicious  treatment,  we  may 
so  enhance  the  vitality  of  the  patient, 
as  to  arrest  the  progress  of  the  earlier 
stage ;  and  sometimes  even  repair  pul- 
monary mischief  already  accomplished. 
From  these  considerations,  may  be 
reasonably  inferred  the  possible  utility 
of  mineral  waters.  It  has  been  ex- 
plained that  the  hydriatic  treatment  is, 
of  all  things,  a  sthnularit  to  vital  func- 
tions;  but,  it  should  be  borne  in  mind, 
that  its  successful  application  pre-sup- 
poses  a  certain  latent  strength,  which 
may  be  thus  stirred  into  activity.     In 


1 88       H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

the  initial  stage  of  tuberculosis,  when 
such  a  stimulus  is  urgently  called  for, 
the  skillful  administration  of  the  waters, 
both  internally  and  externally,  may  be 
capable  of  untold  benefit.  But  when 
the  disease  has  progressed ;  when 
extensive  breaking-down  of  lung  tissue 
has  already  occurred  ;  and  the  torpid 
constitutional  habit  is  replaced  by 
nervous  irritability,  vascular  excitement, 
recurring  pyrexia,  and  a  tendency  to 
hemorrhage  ;  and,  when  there  exists  no 
longer,  a  reserve  vitality  to  be  drawn 
upon,  then  such  treatment  could  do 
no  possible  good,  and  would  only 
hasten  an  inevitably  disastrous  result. 
Under  such  circumstances,  the  highly 
gaseous  waters  are  especially  unsuit- 
able. 

But   even,  after  the  stage  has  been 


PHTHISIS.  189 

reached  when  it  would  scarcely  be 
deemed  wise  to  prescribe  the  internal 
administration  of  mineral  waters,  unex- 
pectedly happy  results  may  still  be 
achieved  from  a  careful  use  of  baths. 
A  mineralized  wet  pack,  followed,  per- 
haps, by  a  cool  rain  bath  or  rapid 
sponge  over,  and  taken  each  evening 
about  the  time  when  the  rise  of  tem- 
perature usually  occurs,  is  especially  to 
be  commended.  Such  a  bath,  or  one 
at  about  92°  F.,  continued  for  fifteen  or 
twenty  minutes,  in  the  ordinary  bath- 
tub, will  be  found  exceedingly  calma- 
tive to  the  excited  nerve  centers  ;  and, 
a  further  good  influence  may  be 
ascribed  to  its  promoting  vicarious 
perspiration — thus  compensating  for 
impaired  expiration  by  the  lungs.  A 
mineralized     and     gaseous    water     is 


igo      HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

usually  preferable  in  the  torpid  tem- 
perament, in  which  cutaneous  stimula- 
tion is  mostly  to  be  desired  ;  whereas, 
ordinary  water  is  quite  as  effective,  or 
even  more  so,  for  sedative  purposes 
in  highly  nervous  patients.  It  should 
also  be  remembered,  that  any  considera- 
ble quantity  of  carbonic  gas  given  off 
from  the  bath,  and  respired  by  the 
patient,  would  be  especially  injurious 
to  the  tuberculous  lung. 

Both  in  this  country,  and  in  England, 
a  prejudice,  has  always  existed  against 
the  use  of  baths  in  consumption. 

To  the  Germans  we  owe  the  knowl- 
edge that  not  only  as  prophylaxis,  but 
even  after  the  disease  is  already  de- 
veloped, and  is  capable  of  recog- 
nition by  physical  examination  of 
the  lungs,  hydrotherapy  **  plays  an  ex- 


PHTHISIS.  191 


traordinarlly  important  role."*  Any 
form  of  bath,  and  almost  any  tem- 
perature, seems  to  be  admissible, 
and,  in  German  hands,  exempt  from 
danger.  Dr.  Rohden,  of  Lippspring, 
says  :  **  The  opinion  that  a  warm  bath, 
or  any  bath  at  all,  may  produce  hemop- 
tysis, I  must,  after  thousands  of  experi- 
ments, declare  to  be  thoroughly  un- 
founded. On  the  contrary,  many  cases 
of  obstinate  spitting  of  blood  have 
been  checked  by  suitable  lukewarm  or 
warm  baths,  even  when  they  had  defied 
all  other  remedies."  Unfortunately, 
this  happy  experience  is  by  no  means 
universal.  The  writer  himself,  is  aware 
of  at  least  one  case,  in  which  the  first 
hot  bath,  at  a  European  spa,  resulted 
in  a  copious  and  rapidly  fatal  hemor- 

*  Von  Ziemssen. 


192       H  YDRO  THERA  PY  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

rhage  ;   and   has  no  doubt  that  many- 
such  have  occurred. 

To  recapitulate,  a  clear  distinction 
must  be  recognized  between  cases  show- 
ing a  strong  J>redzs/>osih'on  to  phthisis, 
but,  in  which  no  structural  alteration  of 
the  lung  is  yet  discoverable  ;  and  those 
in  which  there  already  exists  tubercu- 
lar deposit,  cavity,  or  tendency  to 
hemoptysis.  In  the  former  class,  care- 
ful internal  use  of  the  waters,  and  well 
regulated  cold  baths,  are  capable  of  zm- 
measurable  benefit ;  whereas,  in  the 
latter,  imbibation  is  practically  forbid- 
den, and  either  extremes  of  tempera- 
ture in  the  bath  would  be  immediately 
dangerous ;  and,  although  frequent 
bathing  is  still  desirable,  to  calm  the 
excited  nerve  centers,  control  pyrexia, 
^nd    maintain    cutaneous    activity,    it 


PHTHISIS.  193 

should  be  restricted  to  the  tepid  full 
bath,  or  wet  pack.  Winternitz,  a  high 
authority,  favors  a  local  wet  pack,  or 
cold  compress  applied  to  the  chest 
alone. 

Although  applying  rather  to  the 
winter  resorts  than  to  Saratoga — which 
is,  in  all  respects,  a  desirable  summer 
residence  during  any  stage  of  pulmon- 
ary phthisis — the  writer  cannot  leave 
this  subject  without  recording  a  word  of 
protest  against  the  scandalous  expedient 
of  inducing  a  dying  consumptive  to 
leave  the  luxuries  of  a  comfortable 
home,  by  the  deceptive  promise  of  ben- 
efit elsewhere.  A  physician's  duty 
does  not  end  with  the  possibility  of  re- 
covery. However  painful  to  his  own 
feelings,  and  humiliating  to  his  science, 
he  is  still  bound  to  promote  the  com- 


194      HYDROTHERAP  Y  A  T  SARA  TOGA. 

fort  of  his  patient's  last  days — and  then 
euthanasia. 

Gout  and  Rheumatism. — Aside  from 
hereditary  predisposition,  these  mala- 
dies start  with  a  common  pathogenesis: 
primarily,  defective  digestion  and  faulty 
assimilation,  with  consequent  disorder 
of  the  nutrient  process  ;  and,  subse- 
quently, an  excess  of  acid  material  in 

the  blood.      Hence,  their  earliest  thera- 

• 

peutic  indication  is  also  in  common — to 

provide  alkaline  carbonates  in  order  to 
neutralize  abnormal  acidity  ;  but,  from 
this  point  their  courses  so  diverge,  ther- 
apeutically, as  well  as  pathologically, 
that  it  has  even  been  proposed  to  con- 
firm a  posteriori,  a  distinctive  diagno- 
sis of  the  more  prominent  influence  in 
the  hybrid  condition  termed  rheumatic- 
gout,  by  testing  separately  the  remedial 


GOUT,  195 

power  of  their  individual  specifics — col- 
chicum  and  salicin.  The  more  chronic 
forms  of  eout  and  rheumatism,  however, 
aeain  resemble  each  other  in  many  re- 
spects,  notably  in  the  benefit  they  de- 
rive from  the  use  of  the  alkaline-saline 
waters  ;  but  the  details  of  procedure 
differ  in  so  many  important  particulars 
as  to  require  a  separate,  although  brief 
consideration. 

Gout. — As  the  outcome  of  heredity, 
or  injudicious  diet,  or  both,  an  excess 
of  uric  acid  appears  in  the  blood ; 
which,  according  to  the  best,  but  still 
obscure  researches  of  biological  chem- 
istry, is,  under  certain  conditions,  lia- 
ble to  crystalize  in  the  tissues ;  and 
thus  give  rise  to  severe  inflammation, 
pyrexia,  swelling  of  joints,  and  intense 
pain — the  simplest  expressions  of  acute 


196      H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

gout.  The  treatment  consists  of  local 
sedation,  warmth,  colchicum,  and  anti- 
phlogistics.  Mineral  waters,  to  the  ex- 
tent of  effective  medication,  have  at 
this  stage  no  definite  utility ;  and  if 
unwisely  administered,  would  probably 
aggravate  the  symptoms,  by  their  gen- 
erally stimulating  influence. 

In  the  intervals  between  those 
attacks,  on  the  other  hand,  when  it  is 
intended  to  improve  the  constitutional 
condition,  and  correct  the  abnormal 
state  of  the  blood  which  is  liable  at 
any  moment  to  renew  acute  mischief, 
we  have,  in  the  alkaline-saline  waters, 
a  remedy  of  direct  and  invaluable 
potency. 

The  successful  accomplishment  of 
the  requisite  chemical  changes  in  the 
blood,  and  the  safe  disposal  of  the  re- 


GOUT.  197 

suiting  products,  are,  however,  by  no 
means  simple  matters.  When  alkalies 
are  brought  into  contact  with  uric 
acid,  alkaline  urates — of  soda,  lime,  or 
llthia,  as  the  case  may  be — are  the 
result  ;  and  these,  if  perfectly  dissolved, 
and  sufficiently  diluted,  and  not  in  ex- 
cess of  the  eliminative  capacity  of  the 
excretory  organs,  are  thrown  off  with- 
out trouble ;  and  the  desired  end  is 
thus  safely  attained.  When,  however, 
a  large  quantity  of  alkaline  salts  are  in- 
troduced into  a  system  hypercharged 
with  uric  acid,  and  full  provision  for 
the  solution  and  removal  of  the  result- 
ing urates  is  not  at  the  same  time 
assured,  or  when,  by  too  rapid  solution 
of  deposits  of  uric  acid — previously  in- 
active in  the  tissues — an  unwonted 
quantity  is  set  free  in  the  circulation, 


1 98      HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

an  acute  attack  of  gout  is  not  unlikely 
to  be  the  consequence. 

This  is  the  explanation  *  of  those 
unfortunate  crises,  which  occasionally 
occur  during  an  apparently  well 
directed  course  of  alkaline  waters ;  and 
which  are  responsible  for  the  impres- 
sion, not  uncommon  among  podagric 
wise-acres  that,  "•  it  is  better  to  leave 
the  gout  severely  alone."  So  it  is, 
until  one  has  learned  to  handle  the 
remedy!  But  such  attacks  may  be 
avoided,  and  yet,  the  constitutional  con- 
dition corrected,  by  proceeding  care- 
fully with  the  earlier  treatment,  with- 
out unduly  hastening  the  chemical 
changes ;  and  further,  by  selecting 
waters,    such    as    exist    at     Saratoga, 

*  Pfeiffer,  Die  Gicht  und  ihre  erfolgreiche  Behand' 
lung  ;  Yxavsi,  Deutsche  med.Zeitung,  1891. 


GOUT.  199 

which,  by  a  suitable  combination  of 
alkaHes  and  salines,  not  only  accom- 
plish the  first  indication  of  neutralizing 
excessive  uric  acid,  but,  in  the  same 
degree,  provide  for  the  dilution  and 
elimination  of  the  resulting  urate  com- 
pounds. 

The  bicarbonates — especially  that 
of  soda — as  ordinarily  administered, 
are  particularly  liable  to  deter- 
mine these  adventitious  seizures. 
When  long  continued,  they  tend  to 
disturb  digestion,  thus  promoting  an 
increased  formation  of  the  mor- 
bid material  they  were  Intended 
to  eradicate ;  and,  moreover,  their 
use  necessitates,  in  many  cases, 
the  constant  employment  of  purga- 
tives. 

It  has  also  been    demonstrated   ex- 


200      H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

perimentally  *  that,  although  under  the 
influence  of  bicarbonate  of  soda,  as 
usually  prescribed,  the  uric  acid  in  the 
urine  diminishes  at  first,  until  it  has 
almost  entirely  disappeared,  yet,  it  soon 
returns  again  in  spite  of  the  continued 
administration  of  the  medicine.  On 
the  other  hand,  not  only  does  a  much 
smaller  quantity  of  the  bicarbonate 
produce  the  same  result,  when  con- 
tained, in  combination,  in  a  natural 
mineral  water  ;  but  the  effect  continues 
as  long  as  the  water  is  taken,  and  often 
outlasts  the  treatment  by  a  considera- 
ble period. 

An  insuperable  obstacle  to  summar- 
izing a  treatment  of  gout,  lies  in  the 

*  Munch,  Archiv  fiir  hez'lkunde;  Braun,  op.  ci't.; 
Frickhinger,  Ober  die  harnsdure  losende  Eigen- 
schaft  des  Fachinger  Wassers  ;  Fiirst,  op.  cit* 


GOtJT.  20  i 

frequency  and  variety  of  associated  ail- 
ments :  some  causative,  others  conse- 
quential. Dyspepsia,  enlargement  of 
the  liver,  spleen  or  pancreas,  inactivity 
of  the  kidneys,  torpidity  of  the  intes- 
tines, general  organic  stasis,  or  the  condi- 
tion described  as  abdominal  plethora — 
are  all,  prominent  contributing  factors 
in  the  Induction  of  gout.  Fortunately, 
the  same  waters  indicated  for  uncom- 
plicated, or  **  regular  gout,"  are  usually 
of  a  nature  to  be  directly  serviceable  to 
each  of  these  contributory  conditions. 
Their  presence  and  prominence  will, 
however,  materially  Influence  the  selec- 
tion of  a  spring — favoring,  as  a  rule,  an 
Increased  proportion  of  saline  ingre- 
dients. On  the  other  hand,  there  are 
a  number  of  minor  ailments,  such  as 
skin    diseases,   catarrhs,   and  the   like, 


202      HYDRO THERA PY  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

which  are  directly  the  products  of  con- 
stitutional gout ;  and,  bearing  upon 
them  the  stamp  of  the  dyscrasia,  are 
thus,  independent  of  special  character- 
istics, brought  within  the  scope  of  min- 
eral hydriatics. 

It  must  not  be  understood  that  bene- 
ficial results  attending  a  well  directed 
course  of  the  Saratoga,  or  similar 
waters,  in  the  gouty  diathesis,  is  to  be 
exclusively  attributed  to  the  nature  of 
the  ingredients,  and  consequent  chem- 
ical reaction  taking  place  within  the 
body.  On  the  contrary,  at  least  as 
much  credit  should  be  accorded  to  their 
influence  in  promoting  metabolism,  es- 
pecially the  oxidation  of  the  carbo^ 
hydrates,  and  formation  of  urea ;  and 
to  the  hydro-static  lixiviation  of  the  tis- 
sues and  juices  ;  and  to  the  augmented 


GOUT.  203 

activity  of  the  excretive  organs,  and 
consequent  solution  and  washing  out  of 
effete  matters  in  general — including,  no 
doubt,  the  mater ies  morbi  of  gout. 

The  prognosis  in  these  cases  should 
usually  be  guarded.  The  confirmed 
gouty  constitution  is  under  all  circum- 
stances unsatisfactory  to  manage.  Re- 
covery is  necessarily  a  slow  process;  and 
in  many  of  the  old  established  cases  it 
can  scarcely  be  hoped  to  do  more  than 
improve  the  general  constitution,  ward 
off  acute  attacks,  limit  the  deposit  of 
urates,  and,  perhaps,  after  considerable 
perseverance,  diminish  exudations,  or 
partially  dissolve  articular  deposits. 
Charcot  *  questions  the  latter  possi- 
bility of  hydro-mineral  treatment,  but 
it  may  be  noted  that  this  distinguished 

*  Sur  Ies  maladies  des  Vieillards. 


204      H YDRO THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

authority  has  had  no    experience  with 
Saratoga  waters. 

In  gout,  more  even  than  in  other 
diseases,  the  details  of  hydriatic  treat- 
ment must  be  modified  in  accordance 
with  the  requirements  of  the  indivi-dual 
case.  Generally  speaking,  the  pro- 
longed internal  use  of  the  waters  is 
of  more  value  than  bathing ;  although 
moderately  warm  (95°  to  105°  F.)  full 
baths,  and  wet  packs,  mitigate  consti- 
tutional irritability,  improve  the  condi- 
tion of  the  skin,  and  in  recent  cases 
may  even  promote  absorption.  Local 
packing  is  usually  soothing,  but  in  the 
suppressed  form  may  determine  a  more 
acute  inflammation.  Showers,  sprays, 
and  douches  are  contra-indicated ;  ex- 
cept as  prophylaxis  in  robust  persons 
of    hereditary    predisposition,    but    In 


GOUT.  205 

whom  the  disease  is  as  yet  undefined. 
Not  uncommonly  heart  lesions,  or  other 
organic  defects,  will  be  found  to  exist 
in  the  more  serious  forms  of  gout,  which 
of  themselves  would  absolutely  preclude 
the  cold  water  treatment. 

The  choice  of  springs  should  be 
guided  by  the  nature  of  the  local  mani- 
festations, and  the  preponderance  of 
constitutional  plethora  or  anaemia.  For 
the  uncomplicated  dyscrasia,  notably 
alkaline  waters,  with  comparatively 
slight  saline  admixture — such  as  the 
Kissengen  and  Vichy — may  answer 
well.  With  abdominal  torpidity,  a 
greater  proportion  of  chloride  of  so- 
dium is  Indicated,  and  then  the  Pat- 
terson, Hathorn,  Congress,  or  Excelsior 
may  be  recommended  ;  or,  if  plethoric 
engorgement  is  still  more  conspicuous. 


2  o6       HYDRO  THERA  PY  AT  SA  RA  TOGA . 

the  powerfully  saline  Carlsbad,  Cham- 
pion, or  Geyser.  In  atonic  cases,  with 
well  marked  debility,  often  resulting 
from  repeated  attacks,  or  too  prolonged 
depressing  treatment,  the  saline-chaly- 
beates  may  prove  most  beneficial. 

In  this  disease  all  waters  are  better 
taken  warm,  the  slight  loss  of  gas  en- 
tailed thereby,  being,  if  anything,  an 
advantage. 

The  bowels  should  be  kept  freely 
open;  and  for  this,  or  any  other  purpose, 
we  must  not  hesitate,  when  necessary,  to 
combine  pharmaceutical  remedies  with 
hydriatic  procedures. 

Rheumatism, — In  this  disease  hydro- 
mineral  treatment  is  accorded  uni- 
versal commendation.  Indeed,  it  is 
astonishing  that  there  are  so  few 
disappointments,    when    it    is    remem- 


RHEUMATISM  207 

bered  how  recklessly  are  put  forward 
the  rival  claims  of  mineral  springs 
all  the  world  over ;  how  many,  and 
how  varied  are  the  morbid  expres- 
sions included  under  the  almost  generic 
term,  rhetunatism ;  and  how  innumer- 
able are  the  sufferers,  who,  without 
direction  of  any  kind,  or  the  least 
knowledge  of  their  chemical  quality  or 
method  of  action,  partake  of  mineral 
waters — often  totally  unsuited  for  their 
particular  cases. 

But  rheumatism  is  as  erratic  in  its 
manifestations  and  retrocessions,  as  it 
is  obscure  in  its  causation  and  path- 
ology ;  and  hence,  it  being  impossible 
to  establish  its  treatment  upon  a  strictly 
rational  basis,  w^e  are  in  a  large  meas- 
ure forced  to  accept  the  guidance  of 
experience. 


2o8      H  YDRO  THERA  PY  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

For  convenience,  it  has  been  here  as- 
sociated with  gout,  but  although  resem- 
bHng  each  other  in  so  many  particulars, 
it  would  be  difficult  to  maintain  a  scien- 
tific connection  between  gout  and 
rheumatism;  and  even  the  primary- 
postulate  of  an  acid  dyscrasia,  might  be 
doubted  in  some  unquestionably  rheu- 
matic affections,  were  it  not  for  the 
regularity  with  which  good  results  fol- 
low the  appropriate  use  of  alkaline 
remedies.  As  may  be  imagined,  a  full 
discussion  of  the  hydro-therapeutics  of 
rheumatism  might  fill  a  volume  ;  and 
yet  there  remains  but  little  to  be  said 
of  really  practical  importance,  which  is 
not  indirectly  embodied  in  the  abstract 
principles  already  enunciated. 

As  in  gout,  the  applicability  of 
hydriatic  methods  is  directly  proportion- 


RHEUMATISM.  209 

ate  to  the  chronic  character  of  the 
symptoms  ;  and  would  usually  be  nega- 
tived in  the  acute  disorder.  Possible 
exceptions  to  this  rule,  are  the 
administration  of  cold  baths  during 
the  extreme  temperatures  of  rheu- 
matic fever  ;  and,  the  limited  use  of 
the  milder  alkaline  waters — from  which 
most  of  the  gas  has  been  permitted  to 
escape — as  a  febrifuge,  in  the  same 
condition. 

The  sub-acute  varieties  of  muscular 
and  articular  rheumatism  are  exceed- 
ingly liable  to  engraft  themselves  upon 
the  other  cachetic  states,  such  as  the 
malarial,  scrofulous,  or  lithaemic  ;  and, 
are  not  uncommonly  associated  with 
specific  or  catarrhal  taints.  These  cir- 
cumstances distinctly  favor  the  hydro- 
mineral   treatment  ;    but,    occasionally 


2  lO      HYDRO  THEKAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

suggest  the  combined  administration 
of  the  pharmacopoeial  iodides,  or  simi- 
lar medicaments — which  are  in  no  sense 
incompatible  with  it.  Neither  is 
there  reason,  why  in  suitable  cases,  elec- 
tricity should  entirely  resign  its  impor- 
tant function.  Mineral  waters,  however, 
possess  no  electrical  or  magnetic  prop- 
erties ;  and,  therefore,  it  is  to  be  re- 
gretted that  baths  well  conducted,  and 
otherwise  to  be  highly  recommended, 
should,  in  this  respect,  sail  under  false 
colors. 

For  internal  use,  the  waters  of  Sara- 
toga are  unequaled  in  the  treatment  of 
rheumatism.  The  choice  of  springs  is 
governed  by  the  same  principles  ap- 
plied to  gout,  and  other  diseases.  In 
uncomplicated  cases,  the  prominence 
of  the  alkaline  bicarbonates,  especially 


RHE  UMA  TISM.  2 1 1 


those  of  lithia  and  soda,  is  the  primary 
consideration.  The  relative  import- 
ance of  the  salines  and  iron  will  de- 
pend upon  constitutional  characteris- 
tics already  explained  in  other  connec- 
tions ;  while  for  corpulent  persons, 
otherwise  healthy,  an  active  course  of 
the  stronger  purgative  waters  may  pro- 
duce excellent  results. 

In  about  the  same  proportion  as  the 
inte^mal  use  of  mineral  waters  is  of 
most  importance  in  the  treatment  of 
gout,  so  is  the  external  application  for 
the  cure  of  rheumatism.  This  seems 
largely  due  to  their  effect  upon  the 
skin.  There  is  a  peculiar  torpidity  of 
that  organ,  described  as  atony  of 
the  skin^^  which  seems  to  be  both 
causitive,  and  adjunctive,  of  sub-acute 

*  Braun — Herman  Weber. 


212      H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

rheumarthritis ;  and  which  is  most 
favorably  influenced  by  all  forms  of 
stimulant  bathing. 

With  few  exceptions,  the  treatment 
of  rheumatism  may  be  advantageously 
conducted  upon  more  vigorous  lines 
than  would  be  admissible,  under  simi- 
lar circumstanced,  in  the  management 
of  gout.  In  the  absence  of  cardiac,  or 
other  organic  sequelae  of  the  acute 
stages — the  presence  of  which  can 
usually  be  ascertained  without  diffi- 
culty— there  is  no  reason  why  energetic 
balneological  procedures  should  not 
be  early  invoked  with  immediate  ad- 
vantage. 

The  choice  between  heat  and  cold 
is  subject  to  the  considerations  fully 
discussed  in  the  chapter  upon  baths. 
Cold  water  treatment,  when  admissible. 


RHE  UMA  TISM.  2 1 3 

is  in  every  respect  to  be  preferred ;  for 
by  it,  we  not  only  cure  the  rheumatism  ; 
but  Hkewise  restore  vigorous  health, 
and  not  unfrequently  metamorphose 
a  limping  valetudinarian  into  an 
example  of  robust  physical  well- 
being. 

On  the  other  hand,  distinctly  hot 
(105°  F.)  mineral  baths — continued  from 
twenty  minutes  to  half  an  hour,  and 
repeated  once  a  day,  or  oftener,  whether 
followed  by  a  cool  shower  or  not — have 
given  most  gratifying  results,  under  cir- 
cumstances precluding  the  application 
of  cold.  It  is  a  general  belief,  that 
upon  their  high  temperature  and  long 
duration,  rather  than  upon  the  miner- 
alization of  the  water,  depends  the 
world-wide  reputation  for  curing  rheu- 
matism, enjoyed  by  many  of  the   "'  in- 


214       H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

different "  thermal   baths,  at   European 
spas.* 

Almost  any  modification  of  balneo- 
logical procedure  may  be  indicated  in 
the  treatment  of  this  disease.  Douches, 
or  the  douche-massage,  at  any  tem- 
perature, are  especially  applicable  when 
the  larger  articulations,  such  as  knees, 
hips,  or  shoulders  are  prominently  af- 
fected ;  and  for  long  standing  peri-ar- 
ticular exudations — the  prognosis  of 
which,  it  may  be  said,  is  decidedly  more 
hopeful  than  in  similar  conditions  of 
gouty  origin.  In  recent  sub-acute  rheu- 
matism of  the  muscles  or  joints,  wet 
packs  are  particularly  valuable ;  and 
the  early  use  of  the  hot  air,  or  vapor 
bath,  has  successfully  aborted  an 
attack. 

*  Teplitz,  Wiesbaden,  Wildbad,  and  others. 


DYSPEPSIA.  215 


Of  the  vicarious  local  affections 
known  as  hunbago^  torticollis,  and 
sciatica  —  intercostal,  cervico-brachialy 
ma7Jivzillary,  and  lumbo-abdomi7ial  neu- 
ralgias, it  may  be  premised,  that 
just  in  the  proportion  as  their  causa- 
tion is  rheumatic  or  otherwise  cachec- 
tic, and  7iot  neurotic,  will  they  derive 
benefit  from  mineral  baths,  local 
douches,  and  the  internal  use  of  the 
Saratoga  waters. 

It  should  be  remembered  that,  in 
the  cure  or  palliation  of  any  form  of 
rheumatism,  a  restricted  diet,  and  well- 
regulated  hygiene,  constitute  essen- 
tial factors. 

Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs. 
— Hydro-mineral  treatment,  of  some 
variety,  is  so  constantly  applicable  to 
ailments  of  this  class,  that  to  consider 


2 1 6      HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

them  separately,  would  involve  a  con- 
tinued repetition. 

Saratoga  is  famous  for  the  cure  of 
dyspeptics.  Its  waters  contain  ele- 
ments suitable  for  almost  every  type  of 
gastric  derangement  ;  and  yet,  to  pre- 
scribe them  with  a  reasonable  certainty 
of  success,  necessitates  the  same  accu- 
racy of  diagnosis,  as  would  be  indis- 
pensable in  using  the  remedies  of  the 
pharmacopoeia. 

For  the  atonic  conditions  marked  by 
peristaltic  inertia,  and  deficient  gastric 
secretion,  which,  in  ordinary  practice, 
would  suggest  the  exhibition  of  nux 
vomica,  capsicum,  armoracia,  acids,  or 
pepsine,  the  waters  rich  in  chloride  of 
sodium  and  carbonic  acid  are  especially 
indicated;  and  should,  as  a  rule,  be 
taken  before  meals,  and  cold — so  as  to 


DYSPEPSIA.  21 'J 


retard  stomachic  absorption,  and  em- 
phasise the  locally  stimulating  effect. 
When,  on  the  other  hand,  the  symp- 
toms are  those  of  sub-acute  gastritis, 
evidenced  by  hypersecretion,  hypera- 
cidity, local  tenderness,  sense  of  full- 
ness, and  flatulent  irructations,  the 
milder  alkaline  waters,  in  which  soda, 
magnesia,  and  lime  predominate,  will 
give  the  best  results.  In  these  cases 
they  may  be  taken  during,  or  soon  af- 
ter meals,  and  are  usually  most  effect- 
ive when  used  warm,  in  small  quanti- 
ties and  frequently.  Magnesia  is  espe- 
cially valuable  as  a  stomachic  antacid, 
and  lime,  when  there  is  tendency  to 
flatulence  or  diarrhea — lithia  and  soda 
in  almost  all  circumstances. 

In  many  ordinary  forms  of  gastric  in- 
digestion, evincing  generally  defective 


2 1 8      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

function,  and  often  partaking  of  the 
distinctive  characteristics  of  both  the 
aforenamed  classes,  the  combination  of 
chlorides  and  bicarbonates,  found  in  the 
milder  alkaline-saline  waters,  may  prove 
singularly  effective.  When  catarrhal 
hyper-secretion  is  coincident  with  gas- 
tric dilatation,  the  waters  may  be  used 
advantageously  to  wash  out  the  stomach 
with  the  syphon  tube ;  after  which 
operation,  at  least  twenty  minutes 
should  elapse  before  food. 

Hydro-mineral  treatment  may  be  re- 
garded as  prophylactic  against  gastric 
ulcer,  which,  no  doubt,  often  results 
from  long-continued  hyper-acidity  ;  but 
when  the  existence  of  ulcer  has  been 
positively  recognized,  it  is  wise  to  inter- 
dict the  stronger  saline  and  gaseous 
waters,  as  being  too   irritating  to   the 


DYSPEPSIA.  219 


diseased  surface,  and  possibly  tending 
toward  haematemesis.  The  mild  alka- 
line waters,  however,  heated  and  par- 
tially deprived  of  gas,  may  still  be 
beneficial. 

It  should  be  remembered  that,  be- 
sides their  immediate  chemical  action 
upon  hyper-acid  secretion,  and  the 
hydro-dynamic  cleansing  of  unhealthy 
gastric  membranes,  these  bicarbonate- 
saline  waters  render  a  further  service 
by  increasing  the  anti-catarrhal  influ- 
ence of  alkalies  in  the  circulation,  and 
improving  the  general  health.  In  pro- 
moting the  latter  intent,  with  special 
reference  to  the  betterment  of  diges- 
tion, the  favorable  influence  of  cold 
baths,  showers,  douches,  and  all  forms 
of  mineral  bathing  is  indubitable. 

Liver. — **  Is   life    worth    living? "in- 


2 20       H YDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

quires  the  title  of  Mallock's  interesting 
book.  **  It  all  depends  upon  the  liver," 
i-s  the  well-known  response  of  the 
witty  sybarite.  Then  Saratoga,  be- 
yond a  doubt,  contributes  to  a  more 
unqualified  affirmative,  for  who  can 
question  its  facilitating  influence  upon 
"the  current  affairs  "  of  both  the  liver, 
and  the  one  who  lives. 

Crudely  expressed,  mineral  waters 
absorbed  by  the  stomach  pass  rapidly 
into  the  portal  circulation;  and  a  con- 
siderable proportion  thus  permeates 
the  liver — physiologically  stimulating, 
and  semi-mechanically  flushing  out,  that 
important  digestive  and  excretive  or- 
gan. Hence,  their  effect  is  cholagogue, 
anti-catarrhal  of  the  much-accused 
hepatic  duct,  both  chemically  correc- 
tive and    hydro-dynamically  expulsive 


LIVER.  22  1 


of  gall  stones^ — and,  moreover,  the  best 
remedy  for  the  constitutional  habit 
which  predisposes  to  their  formation. 

It  would  be  impossible  even  to  outline, 
within  the  scope  of  this  work,  a  moiety 
of  the  hepatic  derangements  to  which 
hydro-mineral  treatment  is  applicable 
in  some  degree  ;  suffice  it  to  say,  that, 
except  in  some  rare  structural  degenera- 
tions, or,  the  still  more  infrequent  con- 
ditions of  pressure  upon  the  portal 
circulation  by  aneurismal,  cancerous, 
hydatid,  or  other  tumors — in  which 
cases,  it  might  be  desired  to  limit  the 
quantity  of  fluid  ingested — the  intelH- 
gent  use  of  the  Saratoga  waters  is  in- 
variably helpful. 

In  cirrhosis,  and  its  accompaniments, 
these  waters  are  exceptionally  useful ; 
also,  in  general  torpidity  or  biliousness  ; 


2  2  2      H  YDRO  THERA  PY  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

in  the  chronic  hyperaemia  following 
residence  in  tropical  climates,  or  asso- 
ciated with  the  malarial,  gouty,  or  spe- 
cific cachexias  ;  and,  in  all  forms  of  re- 
sultant jaundice — more  especially,  in 
that  attributable  to  obstructive  catarrh 
of  the  biliary  duct,  without  prominent 
symptoms  of  inflammation.  Their  happy 
influence  is  manifest,  not  only  in  aug- 
menting functional  activity,  and  in- 
creasing the  excretion  and  fluidity  of 
the  bile  ;  thus,  relieving  the  nerve  cen- 
ters, and  the  kidneys — often  sorely 
tested — from  the  toxical  presence  of 
bile  in  the  blood  ;  but  also,  by  remov- 
ing cutaneous  pigmentation,  correcting 
icteric  itch,  and  improving  the  general 
health. 

Ascites  demands    a    passing    word, 
more  especially,  as  the  dropsies  of  car- 


LIVER.  223 

diac  and  renal  origin  come  less  dis- 
tinctly within  the  hydriatic  sphere. 
Except  in  cases  of  malignant  origin, 
these  waters  are  an  exceptionally  use- 
ful adjunct  to  other  curative  measures  ; 
tending  to  amend  the  causative  condi- 
tion, and  to  promote  absorption — by 
stimulating  the  kidneys,  skin,  and  intes- 
tines. 

The  alkaline  waters  are  always  ser- 
viceable— the  proportion  of  saline  ad- 
mixture, ot  the  advisability  of  iron,  be- 
ing determined,  as  in  other  diseases, 
by  the  relative  prominence  of  plethora 
or  anaemia.  As  a  general  rule  in  liver 
derangements,  the  milder  waters  are 
most  suitable,  and  are  best  taken  warm  ; 
but  cold,  and  highly  gaseous,  water  will 
sometimes  control  the  obstinate  vomit- 
ing common    in    these    cases.     Warm 


2  24      //  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

mineral  baths  are  invariably  useful ; 
and  the  application  of  local  douching 
is  extensively  practiced  abroad.  Ex- 
tremes of  temperature  should  never  be 
used. 

Metallic  Poisoning. — In  connection 
with  diseases  of  the  Hver,  may  be  men- 
tioned chronic  metallic  poisoning  by 
mercury,  arsenic,  lead,  or  copper. 
However  absorbed  into  the  system, 
these  metals  show  a  distinct  affinity  for 
the  liver  ;  and,  are  deposited  in  its  sub- 
stance in  greater  proportion  than  in 
any  other  tissue.  The  alkaline-saline 
waters,  freely  imbibed,  possess  an  un- 
equaled  power  in  promoting  their 
elimination ;  and  the  chalybeates  in 
subsequently  restoring  constitutional 
tone. 

Pancreas, — So     rarely    are    organic 


PANCREAS.  225 


changes  of  this  important  digestive 
gland,  or  the  presence  of  concretions 
in  its  substance,  diagnosticated  during 
life,  in  contra-distinction  from  the  usu- 
ally co-existing  diseases  of  the  liver, 
and  other  adjacent  organs,  that  the 
writer  can  find  no  record  of  the  results 
of  treatment ;  and  admits,  without  diffi- 
dence, an  entire  lack  of  personal  ex- 
perience. If,  however,  such  a  case 
were  to  present  itself,  he  would  not 
hesitate  to  treat  it,  cautiously,  upon  the 
well  recognized  principles  applicable  to 
the  more  familiar  conditions  of  the 
liver. 

Constipation. — This  distressing  con- 
dition is  dependent  upon  the  unassimil- 
able  character  of  food  ;  defects  of  the 
digestive  secretions  which  should  chem- 
ically alter  its  quality,  and  facilitate  its 


2  26       H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

absorption,  or  passage  through  the  ali- 
mentary canal ;  and  muscular  atony,  or 
lack  of  peristaltic  power  in  the  stomach 
or  intestines.  In  ordinary  practice,  it  is 
deemed  important  to  distinguish  the 
relative  prominence  of  these  causative 
factors,  before  undertaking  treatment ; 
and,  no  form  of  empiricism  is  more 
worthy  of  condemnation  than  the  **  shot 
gun  "  prescription,  or  its  prototype,  the 
advertised  cathartic  pill,  containing  a 
little  of  everything  :  of  which  it  is  hoped 
that  some  one  ingredient  may  hit  the 
right  spot,  and  so  afford  relief — prob- 
ably of  short  duration — while  it  is  pretty 
certain,  that  the  remaining  items  will 
only  disturb  previously  normal  function, 
and  so  aggravate  the  original  difficulty. 
The  Saratoga  and  similar  waters  are, 
however,  an  exception  to  this  condem- 


ABDOMINAL   STASIS.  227 

nation  of  an  universally  applicable  pur- 
gative compound;  for  although,  they  un- 
questionably stimulate  peristalsis,  pro- 
mote the  secretion  of  the  digestive  fer- 
ments, and  hydro-dynamically  assist  the 
evacuant  function  of  the  intjpstines  ;  and 
hence,  might  be  regarded  as  a  typical 
volley  at  almost  every  form  of  consti- 
pation, they  produce  all  of  these  effects 
without  unduly  localized  irritation  ;  and 
experience  proves  that  their  judicious 
use  is  entirely  free  from  subsequent  ill 
effect.  Nevertheless,  the  fact  should 
be  emphasized  that  no  inine7^al  waters — 
not  even  the  bitter  waters  of  Pulna, 
Friedrichshall,  Hunyadi,  or  the  Rubi- 
nats — alone,  and  unaided  by  the  pro- 
ducts of  pharmacy,  are  suitable  remedies 
with  which  to  force  efficient  catharsis  in 
the  obstinately  costive  state,  much  less. 


228      HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

in  ill-defined  intestinal  obstructions ; 
nor,  can  the  continued  use  of  any  saline 
aperient  be  regarded  as  a  proper  treat- 
ment for  chronic  constipation.  In  most 
persons,  any  of  the  markedly  gaseous 
and  saline  waters  will,  when  taken  cold, 
during  the  morning  hours,  and  followed 
by  moderate  exercise,  induce  easy  and 
satisfactory  alvine  movements — in  pro- 
moting which  purpose,  the  carbonic  acid 
gas  is  an  important  item.  To  this 
primary  effect,  may  no  doubt  be  at- 
tributed much  of  their  generally  salu- 
brious influence,  which  in  turn,  contrib- 
utes to  the  permanent  cure  of  con- 
stipation, as  of  similar  ailments  often 
largely  dependent  on  perverted  consti- 
tutional habit. 

Abdovtinal  Stasis. — No  class  of  in- 
valids derive  more  benefit  from  a  well 


ABDOMINAL    STASIS.  229 

directed  hydriatic  course  than  those 
suffering  from  that,  somewhat  vaguely 
expressed,  condition  of  congestive  debil- 
ity, known  as  abdominal  plethora,  or  the 
hemorrhoidal  habit.  This  state  is  char- 
acterized by  general  torpidity  of  the  di- 
gestive apparatus,  sluggishness  of  the 
abdominal  circulation,  and  venous  stasis 
of  pelvic  organs.  It  is  usually,  although 
not  necessarily,  associated  with  con- 
stipation and  corpulence  ;  and,  not  un- 
frequently  with  fatty  heart,  or  functional 
cardiac  insufficiency.  It  is  sometimes 
dependent  upon  the  cachexiae — espe- 
cially the  77talartal,  with  accompanying 
enlargement  of  the  liver  and  spleen — 
and  commonly  evinces  itself  by  rectal 
and  prostatic  engorgement,  and  the  ap- 
pearance of  piles.  In  women  it  is  a 
frequent    cause    of    subacute     ovaritis 


230      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

and  uterine  disorders.  It  produces, 
in  many  instances,  extreme  nervous 
depression,  and  may  be  regarded  as 
the  physical  condition,  of  which  hypo- 
chondriasis is  the  mental  expression. 
Such  cases  usually  demand  as  vigorous 
treatment,  as  co-existing  organic  de- 
rangements, will  permit.  The  alkaline- 
saline  waters  internally — or,  if  marked 
constitutional  anaemia,  without  symp- 
toms of  cerebral  congestion,  the  s^line- 
chalybeates ;  together  with,  some  form 
of  energetic  bathing.  The  douche- 
massage,  and  ascending  douche,  are 
especially  useful. 

Obesity. — The  photographer  has  dis- 
tanced the  physician  in  reducing  lovely 
woman  to  the  graceful  contour  which 
her  fancy  prescribes,  while  her  indolent 
habits,    and   vigorous  appetite,  just  as 


OBESITY.  231 

energetically  deny.  In  men,  over-eat- 
ing, alcoholic  indulgence,  and  want  of 
exercise  are  the  usual  causes  of  obesity  ; 
but  some  persons  of  abstemious  habits 
are  abnormally  disposed,  to  fat;  and, 
to  both  sexes,  about  the  middle  period 
of  life,  there  not  uncommonly  comes  an 
unwonted  tendency  in  this  direction. 
No  medical  treatment  directly  influ- 
ences the  accumulation  of  fat,  without 
serious,  and  often  permanent,  impair- 
ment of  general  health.  The  only  ra- 
tional methods  of  controlling  its  de- 
posit  are  the  adoption  of  a  modified  and 
restricted  dietary — excludino-,  as  far  as 
possible,  sugar,  the  carbo-hydrates,  and 
other  notably  fat-forming  foods;  together 
with  systematically  increased  exercise, 
and,  such  other  measures  as  favor  the 
physiological    conversion    of  fats,    and 


232      H  YDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

promote  eliminative  metabolism.  The 
internal  use  of  the  alkaline-saline 
waters  furthers  these  ends — not  only  by 
augmenting  tissue-change,  but  also,  by 
stimulating  the  emunctories,  and  so  facil- 
itating the  removal  of  used-up  material. 
But  to  obtain  marked  results,  they  must 
be  taken  freely,  although,  never  pressed 
to  the  extent  of  inducing  painful  cathar- 
sis or  diarrhea. 

Baths,  however,  and  those  of  the  dis- 
tinctly energetic  character,  which,  as 
explained  in  the  chapter  on  balneology, 
promote  metabolism,  are  decidedly  the 
most  reliable  means,  yet  known  to 
science,  of  reducing  superfluous  adipos- 
ity. But,  if  success  would  be  attained, 
the  rationale  of  their  action  must  be 
thoroughly  understood.  Free  perspir- 
ation in  the  Turkish  bath  will  cause  an 


OBESITY.  233 

immediate  reduction  of  weight,  and  so 
may  delude  one,  struggling  against  cor- 
pulence, into  the  gratifying  belief  that 
he  has  already  been  made  thinner ;  but 
unfortunately  this  loss  is  almost  entirely 
of  water,  which  is  soon  replaced  in  the  or- 
dinary course  of  even  moderate  alimen- 
tation, whereas,  scarcely  any  real  effect 
has  been  produced  upon  fatty  tissue,  by 
the  easily  graded,  although  often  in- 
tense, temperatures  commonly  applied 
in  these  baths.  On  the  other  hand, 
either  extremes  of  heat  or  cold,  or 
more  efficatious  still,  the  sudden  alter- 
nation of  markedly  contrasting  temper- 
atures— especially  from  heat,  as  in  the 
vapor  bath,  to  cold,  by  the  plunge  or 
douche — have  been  proven  to  exercise  a 
pronounced  influence,  in  promoting  the 
physiological  combustion  and   removal 


234      HYDRO  THE  RAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA, 

of  fat.  The  ordinary  cold  bath — and 
mineral  water,  when  easily  obtainable, 
is  to  be  preferred,  for  reasons  already 
stated — tends  in  this  direction  ;  but,  as 
it  is  the  thermic  shock,  rather  than  any 
special  quality  of  the  water,  which  pro- 
duces this  special  effect,  the  method  of 
obtaining  It  to  the  fullest  degree,  is  to 
emphasize  the  impression  of  cold,  by 
the  preparatory  application  of  heat.  It 
need  not  be  added,  that  bathing  of  this 
character  might,  under  some  circum- 
stances, be  hazardous,  and  should  only 
be  undertaken  by  those  who  are  organ- 
ically sound,  and  under  careful  direc- 
tion. 

Catarrh. — Wherever  in  the  human 
body  there  exists  a  mucous  surface, 
local  irritation,  or  perverted  constitu- 
tional habit  are  apt  to  occasion  the  ob- 


RENAL   DISEASES.  235 

stinate  subacute  Inflammation,  with  con- 
sequent morbid  secretion,  known  as 
catarrh.  This  unhealthy  influence  may 
affect  the  nasal,  faucial,  pharangeal, 
bronchial,  pulmonary,  gastric,  hepatic, 
cystic,  intestinal,  rectal,  vesical,  ure- 
thral, uterine,  or  vaccinal  mucous  mem- 
branes ;  but.  wherever  it  appears,  or 
whatever  type  it  assumes,  there  is  al- 
ways one  point  in  common  :  all  ca- 
tarrhs are  benefited  by  alkaline  rem- 
edies ;  and,  never  more  constantly,  than 
when  administered  as  alkaline,  or  al- 
kaline-saline mineral  waters. 

Not  only  is  their  influence,  by  increas- 
ing the  alkalinity  of  the  blood  and  secre- 
tions, essentially  anti-catarrhal,  and,  is 
hydro-mineral  treatment  generally,  al- 
most specific  in  the  constitutional  dys- 
crasiae,  so    often    associated    with,   and 


236      HYDROTHERAPY  AT  SARATOGA. 

causative  of,  the  catarrhal  state ;  but, 
even  when  appHed  locally,  these  waters 
possess  merits  difficult  to  equal  from 
the  products  of  pharmacopoeia.  For 
the  post-nasal  space  and  throat,  as  a 
wash  or  spray  ;  for  the  stomach,  rec- 
tum, and  vagina,  as  a  douche  or  irriga- 
tion ;  for  the  cystic  duct  and  bladder 
as  a  pack  ;  and  for  the  catarrhal  ten- 
dency generally,  in  almost  any  phase  of 
balneological  technique,  the  Saratoga 
waters  offer  a  potent  remedy — both 
curative  and  prophylactic. 

Renal  Diseases. — Diuresis  is  such  a 
constant  eiTect  of  the  Saratoga  waters, 
that,  all  who  drink  them  must  notice 
how  considerably  and  invariably  is  aug- 
mented the  excretion  of  urine  ;  and  so, 
can  scarcely  doubt  their  influence,  for 
good  or  evil,    in   abnormal   conditions 


RENAL   DISEASES.  237 

of  the  kidneys.  The  general  washing 
out  of  the  system,  which  constitutes 
the  most  prominent  primary  result  of 
unaccustomed  imbibation,  is  mainly 
completed  through  increased  renal  ac- 
tivity. In  some  proportion  to  the 
quantity  consumed,  an  unusual  amount 
of  water  is  absorbed  into  the  circula- 
tion, a  general  lixiviation  of  the  tissues 
ensues,  and  the  kidneys  are  required, 
more  than  all  other  excretory  organs 
together,  to  carry  off,  not  only  the 
superabundant  fluid  so  acquired,  but 
with  it,  a  largely  increased  proportion 
of  the  ordinary  ingredients  of  normal 
urine. 

From  such  an  obvious  influence,  in- 
dependent of  clinical  experience,  may 
be  readily  inferred  the  therapeutic  ap- 
plicability of  these  and  similar  waters. 


23^       HYDRO THERAP Y  AT  SA RA  TOGA. 


So  long  as  the  exquisitely  delicate  ana- 
tomical bodies  which  compose  the  work- 
ing substance  of  the  kidney,  are  struc- 
turally intact,  they  evince  a  readiness — 
which  might  well  shock  a  modern 
trade's  union — for  whatever  extra  work 
unusual  circumstances  may  necessitate. 
However  remiss  the  liver,  skin,  and 
other  co-scavengers  of  the  human  or- 
ganism, these  indefatigable  little  work- 
ers are  ever  prepared  to  perform  extra 
duty ;  and  hence,  are  our  most  reliable 
auxiliaries  in  correctingr  morbid  condi- 
tions  of  constitutional  torpidity.  Min- 
eral waters  stimulate  renal  function;  and, 
as  in  the  other  excretory  processes,  by 
increasing  fluidity,  facilitate  its  per- 
formance. They  dilute  irritant  urine, 
dissolve  and  expel  concretions  formed 
in  the  substance   or  pelves   of  the  kid- 


DIABETES.  239 


neys,  or  bladder,  or  retained  in  the 
ureters ;  and  so,  are  especially  indicated 
in  the  treatment  of  gravel  or  calculus, 
and  in  catarrhs  of  bladder  and  urethral 
membranes.  In  these  conditions  the 
milder  alkaline  waters  are  absolutely 
unequaled. 

When,  on  the  other  hand,  as  in  all 
forms  of  Bright's  disease,  organic  degen- 
eration is  already  in  progress,  and 
these  once  perfect  physiological  struc- 
tures— formerly  ready  to  undertake  all 
manner  of  supplementary  excretion^ — 
are  no  longer  equal  to  the  normal  per- 
formance of  their  legitimate  function, 
it  would  be  manifestly  ill-advised  to 
force  upon  them  extra  work,  which 
might  possibly  be  transferred  elsewhere. 
Hence,  although  the  other  influences 
of  these  waters  should  still  be  consid- 


240      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

ered,  which,  by  coincidently  stimu- 
lating the  liver  and  skin,  may  even 
relieve  renal  inadequacy,  hydro-mineral 
treatment  is  applicable  only,  in  the 
mildest  forms,  and  under  skillful  super- 
vision. 

Diabetes. — This  frequent  and  formid- 
able disease  is  still  homeless  in  noso- 
logical classification.  Whether,  it  is 
primarily  of  cerebral,  cerebro-spinal, 
hepatic,  or  pancreatic  origin  ;  or,  should 
be  regarded  as  a  general  neurosis  ;  or, 
precisely  how  important,  from  an  etio- 
logical standpoint,  should  be  estimated 
the  hereditary,  mental,  gouty  and  other 
extraneous  influences  with  which  it  is 
commonly  associated — are  points  which 
have  not  yet  been  scientifically  deter- 
mined. Certain  it  is,  that  least  of  all 
does  it  belong  to  distinctly  renal  dis- 


•DIABETES.  241 


eases,  among  which  it  is  usually  placed 
by  the  non-medical  public.  It  may  be 
frankly  confessed  that  knowing  so  little 
of  its  causation,  and  scarce  more  of  its 
subsequent  organic  chemistry,  we  are 
guided  in  treatment  almost  entirely  by 
observation  and  experience.  It  is  not 
therefore,  as  in  diseases  previously  con- 
sidered, so  much  by  rational  deduction, 
as  upon  the  faith  of  a  practically  unan- 
imous authority,  backed  in  some  meas- 
ure by  personal  observation,  that  a 
carefully  regulated  hydro-mineral  treat- 
ment is  here  recommended. 

Persons  suffering  from  the  more 
chronic  forms  of  diabetes,  are  unques- 
tionably among  the  most  regular  fre- 
quenters of  the  principle  foreign  spas — 
and  without  regard  as  to  the  distinc- 
tive   characteristics    of  the  particular 


242      HYDROTHERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

waters — yet,  no  class  of  invalids  lay 
claim  to  more  constant  benefit.  Sara- 
toga has  an  equally  happy,  if  less  ex- 
tensive,  record  in  similar  cases. 

When  uncomplicated  by  hepatic, 
gouty,  malarial,  or  markedly  anaemic 
tendencies,  which,  as  in  other  diseases, 
must  be  carefully  considered,  the  milder 
alkaline-saline,  and  notably  alkaline 
waters,  are  the  best ;  and  may  be  taken, 
with  apparently  equal  advantage,  either 
warmed  or  at  the  natural  temperature. 
Warm  baths  of  all  kinds  are  unques- 
tionably serviceable  in  diabetes.  Those 
of  Saratoga  water,  have  the  additional 
advantage  of  a  more  directly  stimulat- 
ing influence  upon  the  skin — an  im- 
measurable service  in  this  disease.  The 
cold-water  system  is  seldom  admissible. 

The  essential  importance  of  a  special 


HEART  DISEASES.  243 

diet  needs  no  comment  in  this  connec- 
tion. 

Diseases  of  the  Vascular  System. — 
In  serious  organic  diseases  of  the  heart 
— particularly  those  of  the  valves,  and  in 
atheromatous  or  calcareous  degenera- 
tion of  the  blood  vessels,  the  more  ener- 
getic methods  of  hydriatic  treatment  are 
positively  interdicted,  for  general  use. 
A  special  caution  is  necessary  in  cases 
of  aneurism.  When  directed,  however, 
by  those  conversant  with  the  manage- 
ment of  cardiac  diseases,  and  familiar 
with  the  effects  of  mineral  waters,  their 
favorable  influence  upon  general  nutri- 
tion may  still  be  exercised  without 
danger  ;  and  even  with  marked  benefit, 
in  conditions  of  organic  insufficiency. 
Only  baths  of  medium  temperatures  are 
admissible  in  these  cases. 


2 44      H YDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARATOGA. 

In  the  functional  cardiac  neuroses, 
which  not  uncommonly  result  from  the 
abuse  of  tea  or  tobacco,  or  indulgences 
involving  nervous  hyper-excitement,  al- 
though the  stronger  springs  are  to  be 
avoided,  the  mild  alkaline-saline  waters 
are  serviceable  ;  and  excellent  results 
may  be  obtained  from  baths — both 
soothing  and  exhilarating. 

Diseases  of  Bone. — The  rachitis 
of  early  life,  the  decalcification  of 
later  years  known  as  osteo-malacia, 
and  simple  caries  or  necrosis  occurring 
at  any  period  of  life,  are  all  so  nearly 
connected  with  the  dyscrasiae — the  ma- 
larial or  specific  taint — that,  the  pretty 
constant  benefit  derived  from  hydro- 
mineral  treatment  is  probably  attribut- 
able to  improvement  of  general  health, 
rather  than  to  the  presence  of  lime,  or 


SklN  DISEASES.  24^ 

»gr.r I  ■  --.i»  —  -  -^  ■■  , — — —   ■  ■- — -. 

any    other    special    ingredient    of    the 
water. 

Skin  Diseases  figure  prominently  in 
the  category  of  maladies  curable  by 
almost  every  mineral  spring.  These 
affections,  in  most  instances,  are  but  an 
expression  of  some  morbid  constitu- 
tional condition ;  and  so,  will  be  in- 
directly benefited  by  any  treatment 
tending  to  promote  nutrition.  And 
so  manifest  is  the  influence  of  these 
waters  upon  the  function  of  the  healthy 
skin,  that  it  is  impossible  to  doubt  their 
alterative  p(5tency  in  the  abnormal  con- 
ditions of  that  important  organ.  It  is 
difficult,  however,  to  believe  that  the  im- 
mediate application  of  a  fluid,  so  essen- 
tially stimulating  as  saline  mineral  water, 
can  be  advantageous  to  a  surface  al- 
ready characterized  by  hyper-irritability. 


246      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

Some  cutaneous  affections  of  the  mark- 
edly atonic  type  are  no  doubt  cured, 
as  in  ordinary  practice,  by  the  local  use 
of  remedies  primarily  irritant.  Water 
itself  is  essentially  beneficial  in  the  wide- 
est  range  of  skin  diseases,  and  so,  it 
might  be  unwise  to  expose  a  fallacy, 
which  has  brought  the  unwashed  to 
water — and  so  verily  effected  the  cure  ; 
but,  one  accustomed  to  the  treatment  of 
the  chronic  exanthemata,  and  eczema- 
tous  conditions  generally,  may  well 
suspect  that  these  happy  results,  from 
immersion  in  saline  water,  have  been  at- 
tained not  because,  but  in  spite,  of  the 
ingredients.  The  alkaline  waters,  and 
those  containing  in  marked  proportion 
the  salts  of  lime,  are  most  soothing  to 
cutaneous  surface. 

Diseases  of  Women  are   usually  as- 


DISEASES   OF    WOMEN,  247 

sociated  with,  and  often  caused  by,  the 
co-existence  of  pelvic  congestion,  with 
constitutional  ancemia.  This  is  equally 
true  of  the  many  functional  disturb- 
ances of  menstruation,  as  of  chronic 
ovaritis,  salpingitis,  abnormal  growths, 
displacements,  lacerations,  hyperplasia, 
and  leucorrhoea  ;  and,  is  the  essential 
point  upon  which  hinge  most  success- 
ful systems  of  treatment.  It  also  hap- 
pens, not  unfrequently,  that  these  ail- 
ments— notably  those  of  the  obsti- 
nately catarrhal  type — are  closely  con- 
nected with  the  cachexise,  especially 
the  gouty  ;  and,  it  is  by  no  means  an  un- 
common experience  for  chronic  endom- 
etritis or  leucorrhoea,  which  had  re- 
sisted every  other  treatment,  to  yield  be- 
fore a  well  directed  anti-lithaemic  course. 
Hence,  from  every  standpoint,  some  use 


24^       H YDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

of  the  Saratoga  waters  is  indicated  in 
these  cases  ;  and  if  not  directly  cura- 
tive, they  will  be  found  a  powerful  aux- 
iliary to  other  measures.  For  marked 
venous  congestion  of  the  pelvic  organs, 
the  alkaline-saline  waters  may  be  used 
internally ;  together  with  a  carefully 
selected  system  of  bathing,  of  which 
local  irrigation  may  form  an  important 
part.  For  more  distinctly  anaemic  ^pa- 
tients— the  saline-chalybeate  waters,  or 
such  combination  as  circumstances  sug- 
gest ;  and  when  admissible,  the  cold- 
water  system.  I n  chlorosis,  or  pernicious 
anaemia,  of  which  amenorrhoea  is  a 
pretty  constant  symptom,  the  hydro- 
mineral  treatment  offers  more  hope 
than  all  other  remedies. 

Nervous  Diseases. — In    combating 
these    merciless  and    enigmatical    ail- 


NER  VO  US  DISEA  SES.  249 

ments,  which  are  everywhere  a  growing 
scourge  to  civiHzed  humanity,  and  no- 
where more  keenly  felt  than  in  this 
community,  we  have  a  powerful,  but,  as 
yet,  scarcely  recognized  ally  in  scientific 
balneology.  That  the  external  use  of 
water  ranks  with  electricity,  in  the  treat- 
ment of  these  diseases,  is  a  general 
opinion  among  those  who  have  studied 
the  subject  most  carefully.^  But  in 
these  diseases,  more  than  any  other,  it  is 
important  that  the  technique  of  bathing 
should  be  skillfully  prescribed ;  and 
sometimes,  it  is  essential  that  the  pa- 
tient should  submit  to  a  regular,  and 
somewhat  complicated  C4)urse,  under 
competent  direction.  In  the  infinitely 
varied  conditions  of  functional  charac- 
ter, often   resulting  from  overwork  or 

*  Charcot,  Dujardin-Beaumetz,  Dana,  and  others. 


250      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

prolonged  anxiety,  in  which,  without 
tangible  pathological  change,  the  nerv- 
ous system  demands  invigoration,  ex- 
traordinary benefit  is  derived  from  all 
forms  of  cold  bathing.  In  some  in- 
stances the  alternate  application  of  hot 
and  cold  water,  by  the  rain  bath  or 
douche,  gives  even  better  results.  On 
the  other  hand,  for  the  more  irritable 
types  of  neurasthenia,  we  have,  in  the 
prolonged  tepid  bath  and  wet  pack,  an 
unequaled  means  of  soothing  nervous 
excitement ;  and  often  inducing  quiet 
and  refreshing  sleep,  which  could  not 
otherwise  be  obtained.  By  these 
means  are  l^nefited  the  innumerable 
vaso-motor  derangements,  and  func- 
tional impotences,  for  the  treatment 
of  which,  we  have  relied  heretofore 
upon    the    administration    of    nervine 


CON  VA  LESCENCE.  251 

stimulants,  electricity,  and  massage. 
Wherever  these  remedies  were  indi- 
cated, hydrotherapy  can  accomplish 
the  same  end,  with  the  added  merit 
of  more  direct  improvement  of  general 
health ;  and  a  constant  compatibility 
with  other  methods  of  treatment.  For 
most  of  these  cases  the  saline  mineral 
waters  possess  exceptional  utility.  The 
internal  use  of  the  waters  may  be  sug- 
gested by  the  circumstances. 

Retarded  Convalescence. — During 
progressive  recovery  from  serious  illness 
there  sometimes  occurs  a  period,  when 
in  spite  of  the  best  directed  efforts,  and 
without  any  expressly  assignable  cause, 
exhausted  nature  declines  to  make 
further  progress  toward  accustomed 
health.  It  has  been  observed  follow- 
ing the  infectious  exanthemata,  typhoid 


252      H YDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

fever,  pneumonia,  diphtheria,  severe 
abdominal  inflammations,  serious  sur- 
gical operations,  and  hemorrhage  oc- 
curring at  child-birth,  or  from  other 
causes.  The  recent  influenza  epidem- 
ics, afforded  not  a  few  examples  of 
persons  apparently  recovered,  but  still, 
dating  from  the  attack,  a  debility  before 
unknown  ;  which  unfortunately,  culmi- 
nated, in  many  instances,  in  fatal  pneu- 
monia or  pulmonary  phthisis.  The 
anaemia  so  established  is  of  a  markedly 
irritative  character ;  seemingly  depend- 
ent upon  exhaustion  or  perversion  of 
nerve  energy,  rather  than  absolute  pov- 
erty of  blood,  or  inherently  defective 
vascularity.  It  manifests  a  deter- 
mined resistance  to  all  forms  of 
ordinary  treatment.  For  this  condition 
a  visit  to   Saratoga,  and  well  directed 


CONVALESCENCE.  253 


hydro-mineral  course,  gives  promise  of 
the  best  result ;  and  in  a  few  weeks, 
may  recall  more  of  the  familiar  self, 
than  months  of  the  most  skillful  treat- 
ment at  home.  Mineral  springs  are 
everywhere  celebrated  for  the  cure  of 
old  wounds. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

BOTTLED    AND    RE-CHARGED    MINERAL 
WATERS. 

It  is  always  best,  when  possible,  to 
visit  the  springs  and  drink  of,  and 
bathe  in,  the  waters  fresh  from  the 
fountain  head  ;  for,  not  only  does  the 
invalid  thus  reap  the  benefits  of  gen- 
eral change,  healthful  country  air, 
easier  compliance  with  sanitary  pre- 
cepts, and  other  auxiliary  circumstances  ; 
but  it  should  be  remembered,  that  nat- 
ural mineral  waters  are  difficult  to 
preserve,  and  exceedingly  liable  to  de- 
teriorate in  transit,  or  under  the  ordi- 
nary conditions  of  careless  storage. 

At  some  of  the  most  valuable  springs 

2SS 


256      HYDROTHERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

the  method  of  bottling  is  still  lament- 
ably defective.  The  water,  instead  of 
being  tapped  low  down  in  the  tubing, 
is  allowed  to  flow  from  the  surface,  and 
only  reaches  the  bottles  after  much  of 
the  gas  has  already  escaped  ;  the  corks 
are  often  imperfect ;  even  the  glass  is 
sometimes  of  a  quality  to  chemically 
contaminate  the  water  ;*  and  worst  of 
all,  it  not  uncommonly  reaches  the  con- 
sumer after  having  stood  for  months 
in  some  drug  store,  regardless  of  tem- 
perature, the  position  of  bottles,  or 
other  precaution  for  its  preservation. 
As  a  consequence,  much  of  the  natur- 
ally abundant  carbonic  acid  gas  is  lost ; 
the  alkaline  carbonates,  held  by  it  in 
solution,  as  bicarbonates,  are  largely 
precipitated  ;  the  iron  rapidly  oxidizes, 

*  Breneman, 


BOTTLED  MINERAL   WATERS.  257 

and  falls  as  the  familiar  brown  sediment 
of  hydrous  peroxide  ;  and,  the  water 
itself  becomes  turbid  and  dirty  looking 
— its  bright,  sparkling  character  and  de- 
licious tingling  taste  being  replaced  by 
qualities  flat,  insipid,  and  disgusting. 
In  consequence  is  pronounced  many  an 
unjust  verdict  upon  the  Saratoga  waters, 
by  those  who  have  never  drank  them 
fresh  at  their  source,  but,  judge  only  by 
the  mawkish  stuff  supplied  from  the  drug 
store.  Nor  is  the  retailer  entirely  to 
blame.  The  fault  usually  begins  at 
the  spring  ;  and  further,  so  many  new 
waters,  the  majority  possessing  no 
special  merit,  have  been  forced  upon 
the  market,  yet  comparatively  seldom 
called  for,  that  it  would  be  impossible 
for  the  ordinary  drug  store  to  carry  a 
fresh  stock  of  each. 


258      H YDRO THERAP Y  AT  SARA  TOGA . 

If  the  proprietors  of  the  various 
springs  could  be  induced  to  set  aside 
their  traditional  jealousies,  to  the  extent 
of  maintaining  in  each  of  the  large 
cities  a  joint  emporium,  where  the 
waters  could  at  all  times  be  obtained 
fresh  and  in  good  condition,  it  would 
surely  be  to  their  individual  gain,  and 
largely  to  the  advantage  of  the  public. 
The  date  of  bottling  should  be  stamped 
on  each  label ;  and  further,  it  may  *be 
hinted,  that  as  all  the  springs,  in  season 
and  out  of  season,  are  wasting  enormous 
quantities  of  water — some  as  much 
as  two  gallons  per  minute — the  price 
might  be  lowered,  with  still  increased 
profit  resulting  from  a  larger  sale. 
The  adoption  of  these  suggestions 
would  soon  render  it  difficult  for  the 
foreign  waters,  now  so  popular  through- 


BOTTLED  MINERAL   WATERS.  259 

out  this  country,  to  retain  their  suprem- 
acy. 

It  Is  impossible  to  leave  this  part  of 
the  subject  without  reference  to  the 
suicidal  recriminations  of  some  of  the 
spring  proprietors  a  few  years  ago  ; 
which,  at  the  time,  did  much  to  dis- 
credit Saratoga.  Without  enterinof 
upon  the  nauseous  evidence  of  this 
quarrel,  the  writer  does  not  hesitate  to 
assert,  that,  however  dishonest  the  pur- 
pose. It  would  be  Impossible,  In  face  of 
the  volume  of  water,  and  the  Immense 
force  with  which  It  Is  driven  upward 
from  most  of  the  springs,  to  tamper 
with  the  waters  extensively  until  after 
they  had  left  the  source.  Indeed,  so 
copiously  mineralized,  and  naturally 
saturated  with  gas,  are  the  principle 
Saratoga  waters,  that.  It  would  be  diffi- 


26o      HYDRO THkRAP V  AT  ^ARA T6GA. 

cult  to  introduce  more  than  nature  has 
already  furnished.  The  Kissengen, 
Patterson,  Royal,  Peerless,  Hathorn, 
Congress,  Excelsior,  and  probably  other 
waters,  are  supplied  in  bottles,  exactly 
as  they  come  from  the  source.  That 
at  any  spring  it  should  be  deemed  nec- 
essary to  re-enforce  the  water  with  sup- 
plementary gas  as  is  sometimes  done  at 
the  time  of  bottling,  is  scarcely  to  be 
understood,  except  it  be  to  repair  negli- 
gence, or  unskillful  handling. 

At  several  of  the  springs,  the  quan- 
tity of  gas  is  phenomenally  large — 
capable  of  driving  the  water  a  con- 
siderable distance  upward.  The  pecu- 
liar odor  of  carbonic  acid  is  very 
perceptible  near  those  which  are  closed 
in  ;  and  sometimes,  the  air  becomes  suf- 
ficiently   impregnated   with    it,    to  be 


BO  TTLED  miner  a  L   WA  TERS.  2  6 1 

dangerous  to  breathe,  and  even  extin- 
guish a  light. 

At  the  Lafayette  Spring,  a  short  dis- 
tance south  of  the  Champion,  a  curious 
industry  has  recently  been  established. 
The  water  ascends  with  enormous  force. 
It  is  liberally  mineralized,  and  by  no 
means  unpleasant  to  taste;  nevertheless, 
it  is  not  used  either  for  drinking  or  bath- 
ing purposes,  but  exclusively  for  the  com- 
mercial value  of  the  natural  carbonic 
acid  gas  obtained  from  it.  As  the 
water  issues  from  the  tubing,  it 
is  guided  into  powerful  machinery, 
where  the  gas  is  separated,  liquified  at 
enormous  pressure,  and  forced  into 
strong  steel  cylinders,  ready  for  sale. 
The  refuse  water  passes  off  flat  and 
brackish. 

At  the  Johannis  Spring,  at  Zollhaus, 


262      H YDRO THERA PY  AT  SARA  TOGA. 

Nassau,  which  resembles  in  many  re- 
spects the  alkaline  springs  of  Saratoga, 
the  water  is  treated  in  a  somewhat  sim- 
ilar manner,  although  for  a  different 
purpose.  Like  the  Saratoga  waters,  it 
contains  a  trace  of  iron,  and  the  object 
of  the  artificial  process  is  to  get  rid  of 
that  mineral,  in  order  to  render  the 
water  miscible  without  discoloration 
with  wines  and  spirits,  and  thus  more 
suitable  for  table  use.  The  carbonic 
acid  is  collected,  as  the  water 
emerges  from  the  spring,  and  forced 
into  a  gasholder.  Then,  the  water  is 
freely  exposed  to  the  atmosphere  in 
open  tanks,  so  as  to  allow  the  oxidation 
of  the  proto-carbonate  of  iron,  which  is 
thus  converted  into,  and  precipitated 
as,  a  basis  hydroxide  ;  and  lastly,  by 
means    of  powerful  pumps,  the   same 


BOTTLED  MINERAL    WATERS.  263 

gas  is  re-charged  into  the  water;  which 
is  then  ready  for  bottling,  and  is  by  no 
means  unpleasant  to  drink.  It  is,  how- 
ever, distinctly  dishonest  to  advertise 
such  a  product,  as  ''  a  natural  mineral 
water " ;  since  the  original  asso- 
ciation of  gases  and  mineral  salts, 
upon  which  undoubtedly  depends  the 
therapeutic  value  of  natural  waters,  has 
been  decomposed  by  the  withdrawal  of 
the  gas,  and  cannot  be  exactly  restored 
by  artificial  means.  In  fact,  water  so 
treated,  differs  in  no  respect  from  the 
chemical  imitation  manufactured  in  the 
ordinary  way,  except  inasmuch,  as  there 
is  still  some  guarantee  of  the  purity  of 
the  gas  and  minerals,  and  freedom 
from  dangerous  organic  impregnation. 
It  is  claimed  that  a  water  aerated 
under  pressure  with  its  own  natural  gas, 


264      HYDRO  THERAP  Y  AT  SARA  TOGA, 

•gives  out  that  gas  at  a  slower  rate,  when 
the  pressure  is  withdrawn,  than  a  water 
similarly  aerated  with  artificial  gas. 
However  this  may  be,  it  seems  proven 
that  gas  naturally  incorporated  with 
mineralized  water  is  retained  longer 
than  similar  gas  artificially  introduced 
into  water  similarly  mineralized.  No 
matter  what  the  primary  qualities  of  the 
natural  waters,  once  the  gases  are  dis- 
charged, and  the  water  evaporated,  the 
remaining  salts  are  chemically  identical 
with  those  produced  in  the  ordinary 
way.  They  have  entirely  lost  what 
special  virtues  they  possessed  in  the 
original  natural  combination,  and  when 
re-dissolved  in  water,  must  be  taken  in 
many  times  a  larger  dose  to  produce 
effects  resembling  those  of  the  original 
water. 


INDEX. 


Abdominal  plethora,  229 
Alkalies,  38,  51,  199,  208 
Alteratives,  75 
Alumina,  38,  44 
Amenorrhoea,  60,  247 
Ammonia,  44 
Analysis,  33 

''        tables,  38 
Aneurism,  243 
Arsenic,  poisoning  by,  224 
Artificial  waters,  264 

Barium,  38,  44 

Bathing  establishments,  134 

Bath  fever,  92 

Baths — carbonic  acid,  116 
"         division  of,  86 
"         douche,  123 
"         duration,  103,  120 
"         hygienic  cold,  loi 
"         hot,  108 
"         in  gout,  204 
**        mineral,  97,  117 
"        mud,  131 

265 


266 

/J\^DEX. 

Baths- 

-in  nervous  diseases,  124,  249 

« 

obesity,  232 

<( 

physiology,  87  ef  seq. 

(( 

in  phthisis,  189 

(( 

rheumatism,  213 

(I 

Russian,  131 

a 

sand,  131 

(( 

in  scrofula,  181 

<( 

time  for,  106 

« 

Turkish,  131 

<( 

warm,  109,  119 

(( 

wet  pack,  126 

Bone,  c 

liseases  of,  244 

Bottled 

waters,  255 

Bright': 

s  disease,  239 

Calcium,  38,43,  51 

Carbonic  acid  gas,  38,  41,  57,  115,  260,  262 

Catarrh,  96,  236 

Chalybeate  waters,  38,  42,  56,  156 

Children,  scrofulous,  180 

Chlorosis,  60,  248 

Cirrhosis  of  liver,  221 

Classification,  chemical,  29 

"  therapeutical,  31 

Constipation,  225 
Consumption,  184^/ j(?^. 
Convalescence,  60,  251 
Copper,  poisoning  by,  224 
Cutaneous  diseases,  245 

Diabetes,  240 

Dietary,  141  et  seq, ;   wine  and  alcohol,  149 


INDEX.  267 


Douche,  123 
Dripping  sheet,  131 
Dyspepsia,  56,  70,  215  ei  seq. 

Gastric  ulcer,  218 
Geological  faults,  19 
Gout,  56,  97,  138 

Hematemesis,  219 
Hemoptysis,  191 
Hepatic  diseases,  219  ei  seq. 
Heart  diseases,  243 
Hydropathy,  v 
Hygienic  cold  bath,  loi 

Influenza  epidemics,  252 
Iron,  38,  42,  56 

JOHANNIS    SPRING,    26 1 

Johnson,  Sir  W.,  7 

Lactation,  60 
Lead,  poisoning  by,  224 
Leucorrhoea,  61,  247 
Leuk,  baths  at,  113 
Lithia,  38,  43,  46,  51,  53 
Liver,  diseases  of,  219  et  seq. 
Lumbago,  215 

Magnesium,  38,  43.  5i»  53>  217 
Manganese,  380,  44 
Massage  douche,  124 
Menstrual  derangement,  60,  247 


268  INDEX. 

Mercury,  poisoning  by,  224 

Metabolism,  73,  176 

Metallic  poisoning,  224 

Mineral  waters  : 

"  alterative  effects,  76 

"  as  baths,  97   et  seq. 

"  classification,  29 

**  emergence  of,  15 

"  mineralization  of,  12 

"  origin  of,  9  et  seq. 

"  precepts  in  use  of,  159 

Mud  baths,  131 

Nervous  diseases,  248 
Neuralgias,  215 
Nosology,  173  et  seq. 

Obesity,  230  <?/j/?$r. 
Ocean  bathing,  100,  181 
Ojigoku,  17 
Old  wounds,  253 
Osteomalacia,  244 
Ovaritis,  247 

Pancreas,  224 
Peristalsis,  163,  216 
Phthisis,  184  et  seq. 
Potassium  chloride,  38,  42,  51 
"  sulphate,  t^^^  44,  60 

Priessnitz,  v 

Rachitis,  244 
Recharged  waters,  260 
Renal  diseases,  56,  236 


INDEX.  269 

Rheumatism,  56,  78,  97,  117,  206  et  seq. 
Russian  batii,  87,  131 

Salines,  47 
Sand  baths,  131 
Saratoga,  accessibility,  6 

"        advantages,  4  et  seq. 

"        altitude,  6 

"        geology,  19 

"        history,  7 

"        springs,  component  parts,  38  etseq. 

"  "       connection  between,  29 

"  "       defective  analyses,  33 

"  "       division  of,  153 

"  "       selection  of,  167 

"  "        spouting,  25 

"  *'       temperature,  38,  113 

"  "       therapeutic  effects,  135  et  seq. 

Schwartz  system,  114 
Sciatica,  215 

Scottish  douche,  125,  184 
Scrofula,  97,  174  et  seq. 
Silica,  38,  44 
Skin,  diseases  of,  245 

"      atony  of,  211 
Sodium,  bicarbonate,  38,  43,  51,  199 

"        bromide,  38,  44 

"        chloride,  38,  42,  47  et  seq. 

"        iodide,  38,  43 

"        sulphate,  40 

Telluric  heat,  114 
Therapeutics,  general,  136  et  seq. 


2  70  INDEX. 

Torticollis,  215 
Tubercular  bacillus,  185 
Tuberculosis,  174 
Turkish  bath,  87,  131 

United  States,  mineral  springs  of,  v 
Urates,  53,  197 

Vapor  bath,  131 
Vascular  system,  no,  243 

Warm  baths,  109,  117 

Water,  uses  of,  64 

Wet  pack,  126 

Wine,  70,  149 

Women,  diseases  of,  60,-^47 


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